This 12 Passenger Howard 250 Is The Only Remaining Flying Model

The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) has announced the arrival of a rare Lockheed Howard 250 Tri-Gear. The aircraft was gifted to the museum by the Mid America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant, Texas (MAFM), and will now become a permanent part of the LSFM’s aircraft collection.

The Howard 250 is an added highlight to the new and ongoing relationship between the two flight museums that will see additional visiting aircraft at LSFM over the next several years.

First built in 1949, the Lockheed Howard 250 Tri-Gear was designed by Howard Aero in the 1950’s to transform the military designed transport Lockheed L-18 Lodestar into executive corporate aircraft.  With several modifications making the airplane faster, more comfortable and fuel efficient for longer flights, the new design was the model of stylish travel. The most notable changes making the aircraft more “commercial” included, passenger picture windows, new engine nacelle designs to decrease drag, changing the trailing edge of the wing, more streamline nose and pilot windshields, and a more aerodynamic tail cone.

Only four Howards were converted to the new design.

This 12 passenger Howard 250, with a wingspan of more than 70 feet, is the only remaining flying model and features all the amenities of a 1950s luxury executive aircraft including leather sofa and bucket seats, wood detail and large picture windows.

With FAA certification and further maintenance modifications, the Howard 250 will be considered for future inclusion in the museum’s warbird ride program.

The aircraft is now on display for visitors to see. Further display details are currently underway.

FMI: www.lonestarflight.org