Lockheed JetStar C-140

The early business jet that set the standard for executive transport

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: C140 1961–1978 Active $20 million

The Lockheed JetStar was one of the first dedicated business jets developed in the United States. Known in military service as the C-140, it served both corporate and government roles. The aircraft introduced jet performance to executive travel in the early jet age.

Live Fleet Activity (C140)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Garrett AiResearch TFE-731-3
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 3,700 lbf · 16 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
10 economy · 8 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
6 ft 2 in  ·  1.88 m
Cabin height
6 ft 1 in  ·  1.85 m
Cabin length
28 ft 2 in  ·  8.59 m
Exterior length
60 ft 5 in  ·  18.42 m
Tail height
20 ft 4 in  ·  6.20 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
54 ft 6 in  ·  16.60 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
44,500 lb  ·  20,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,800 lb  ·  1,300 kg
Fuel capacity
2,650 gal · 10,100 L · 8,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
507 kt  ·  583 mph  ·  939 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
2,604 nm  ·  3,000 mi  ·  4,820 km
Fuel burn
0.93 nm/gal  ·  0.45 km/L
Ceiling
43,000 ft  ·  13,100 m
Rate of climb
4,150 ft/min  ·  21 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,950 ft  ·  1,510 m
Landing distance
4,200 ft  ·  1,270 m
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Lockheed VC-140B JetStar

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Operational Context

Lockheed JetStar C-140 — early four-engine business jet

The JetStar first flew in 1957 as a private venture by Lockheed. Entering service in the early 1960s, it was among the earliest purpose-built business jets. The design featured a swept wing, T-tail, and initially four turbojet engines mounted on the rear fuselage.

Later variants adopted two turbofan engines for improved efficiency. Cruise speed was approximately 500 knots (925 km/h), with a maximum takeoff weight around 44,500 pounds (20,185 kg). The cabin typically accommodated up to ten passengers depending on configuration.

The U.S. Air Force operated the type as the C-140 for transport and liaison duties. Corporate operators valued its range and jet performance. The JetStar remains a landmark aircraft in the evolution of executive aviation.

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