General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Lockheed Altair Kingsford Smith Lady Southern Cross model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Lockheed Altair Kingsford Smith Lady Southern Cross model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Lockheed Altair Kingsford Smith Lady Southern Cross model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Lockheed Altair “Lady Southern Cross”: An Icon of Early Aviation

The Lockheed Altair “Lady Southern Cross” occupies a celebrated position in the annals of early aviation history. This aircraft is perhaps best known for its association with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, an Australian aviation pioneer, who used it in his attempt to set a record for the fastest flight between Australia and the United States. This article delves into the design, history, and legacy of this remarkable aircraft.

Design and Specifications:

The Lockheed Altair was a variant of the Lockheed Sirius, distinguished primarily by its retractable undercarriage. This feature was relatively novel at the time and gave the Altair a slight advantage in speed due to reduced drag. The aircraft was a single-engine monoplane, designed by Lockheed in the early 1930s. It featured an all-metal fuselage and a fabric-covered wing.

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine, the Altair was capable of reaching speeds up to 220 miles per hour, a notable feat in its day. Its range was approximately 725 miles, but additional fuel tanks could extend its endurance, making transoceanic flights feasible.

Historical Significance:

The specific aircraft known as the “Lady Southern Cross” was acquired by Charles Kingsford Smith in 1934 to replace his earlier aircraft, the “Southern Cross,” which had made him a national hero in Australia. Kingsford Smith aimed to use the new Altair to achieve further aviation records, including the aforementioned trans-Pacific flight.

In October 1934, Kingsford Smith and co-pilot Tommy Pethybridge flew the “Lady Southern Cross” from Australia to the United States, landing in Oakland, California, after a harrowing journey that included numerous stops and some technical difficulties. While they did not break the speed record, the flight was celebrated for its audacity and for pushing the boundaries of what was then considered possible in aviation.

Tragic End and Legacy:

The final flight of the “Lady Southern Cross” was an attempt to break the England to Australia speed record. On November 8, 1935, Kingsford Smith and Pethybridge took off from Allahabad, India, heading towards Singapore. Tragically, the aircraft was lost over the Andaman Sea, and both men were presumed dead after extensive searches failed to locate them or the wreckage.

Despite the tragic end, the legacy of the “Lady Southern Cross” and Kingsford Smith’s pioneering spirit continues to inspire aviators and engineers. The aircraft exemplifies the rapid advancements in aviation technology and capability during the early 20th century, and Kingsford Smith remains a celebrated figure in both Australian and global aviation history.

Conclusion:

The Lockheed Altair “Lady Southern Cross” is remembered not just as an aircraft but as a symbol of the daring and determination of early aviators. Its design represented significant technological advancements that contributed to the development of aviation as a means of rapid global transportation. Kingsford Smith’s ambitious flights in the “Lady Southern Cross” helped to lay the groundwork for the modern age of air travel, making it a key chapter in the story of human achievement in the skies.