A16 Lockheed Hudson
The Lockheed Hudson general reconnaissance bomber first flew on 10 December 1938, and was the military version of the Lockheed 14 Super Electra which, in turn, was derived from the Lockheed 10 Electra. Later in 1938, the Hudson was ordered for the RAAF and the first aircraft, A16-1, was received at No 2 Aircraft Depot on 9 February 1940, and the last, A16-247, on 20 May 1942.
By August 1940, Hudsons of Nos 1 and 8 Squadrons had deployed to Malaya and these aircraft made the first RAAF retaliative missions against the Japanese on 8 December 1941. Hudsons continued to strike back during the following months of adversity and wreaked tremendous damage on enemy ships and landing forces. In the Pacific area, Hudsons served with Nos 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 32 and 38 Squadrons, while RAF-serialled Hudsons operated with No 459 RAAF Squadron in the Middle East. With the introduction of Beauforts, the Hudsons were gradually relegated to communication and training duties.
RAAF Hudsons included Mks I, II, III and IV. Mks I and II had different airscrews, and the Mk I carried a spinner. Mk IIIs were fitted with 1200 hp Wright Cyclones, and carried an additional ventral gun and two beam guns; Mk IVs were fitted with 1050 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasps. One all-silver Hudson, A16-142, was conspicuous during the war years, and another, A16-214, was used for airborne lifeboat experiments.
Hudsons were phased out of the RAAF by 1949, but as late as 1963 various Hudsons had been operated by a variety of civilian companies for airline and survey work. The RAAF Museum holds a collection of Hudson airframe and related components for eventual restoration.
TECHNICAL DATA: Lockheed Hudson Mk I
DESCRIPTION:
General reconnaissance bomber with five crew. All metal stressed-skin construction.
POWER PLANT:
Two 1,050 hp Pratt and Whitney Wasps, or two 1,100 hp Wright Cyclones.
DIMENSIONS:
Span 19.96 m (65 ft 6 in); length 13.50 m (44 ft 4 in); height 3.32 m (11 ft 10.5 in).
WEIGHTS:
Empty 5939 kg (13 160 lb); loaded 9072 kg (20 000 lb).
PERFORMANCE:
Max speed 406 km/h (219 kt); Endurance 6 hrs; Maximum range 2180 km (1177 nm); Service ceiling 25 000 ft (7620 m).
ARMAMENT:
Fixed forward twin 0.303 guns, twin 0.303 guns in dorsal turret, and one 0.303 gun in ventral position; Provision for two 0.303 guns in beam positions; Bomb load 340 kg (750 lb).
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