Lockheed Vega 5B Amelia Earhart

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Lockheed Vega 5B Amelia Earhart 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 Vega 5B Amelia Earhart 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 Vega 5B Amelia Earhart 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.

Lockheed Vega 5B: The Legendary Aircraft of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart, a name synonymous with aviation history, embarked on many daring flights that cemented her legacy as one of the world’s most celebrated aviators. Among the aircraft that played a pivotal role in her career, the Lockheed Vega 5B stands out as a symbol of her fearless spirit and groundbreaking achievements.

The Birth of the Lockheed Vega 5B:

The Lockheed Vega 5B was a high-wing monoplane designed by Jack Northrop and Allan Loughead, founders of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Introduced in the late 1920s, the Vega was renowned for its robust design, speed, and long-range capabilities. It was initially developed for commercial use, but its impressive performance soon attracted the attention of record-setting pilots like Amelia Earhart.

Constructed from a combination of plywood and fabric over a sturdy wooden frame, the Vega 5B was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial engine, capable of delivering 450 horsepower. This powerful engine enabled the aircraft to reach a top speed of approximately 185 miles per hour, with a cruising range of over 600 miles. The Vega’s design featured a sleek, streamlined fuselage and a high-mounted wing, both of which contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency and stability in flight.

Amelia Earhart and the Vega 5B:

Amelia Earhart acquired her Lockheed Vega 5B in 1930, and it quickly became her aircraft of choice for many of her most famous flights. With its superior performance, the Vega 5B allowed Earhart to push the boundaries of what was possible in aviation at the time.

One of the most significant achievements in Earhart’s career came on May 20-21, 1932, when she became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Departing from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, Earhart piloted the Vega 5B through treacherous weather conditions, including ice storms and mechanical difficulties, before landing in a pasture near Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The flight took nearly 15 hours and covered approximately 2,026 miles, cementing Earhart’s status as a trailblazer in aviation.

For this remarkable feat, Earhart was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, becoming the first woman to receive the honor. The Vega 5B, with its bright red paint and sleek lines, became an iconic image of this historic flight, embodying the spirit of adventure and determination that defined Earhart’s career.

Legacy of the Lockheed Vega 5B:

The Lockheed Vega 5B, now displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., remains a symbol of Earhart’s pioneering achievements. Its legacy is intertwined with the story of a woman who defied the odds, broke barriers, and inspired generations to follow their dreams.

Though technology has advanced far beyond the Vega’s capabilities, the aircraft represents a pivotal moment in aviation history. It is a testament to the innovation of the early aviation era and the daring individuals like Amelia Earhart who took to the skies in pursuit of the unknown.

Today, the Lockheed Vega 5B stands not just as a piece of machinery but as a beacon of courage, embodying the spirit of exploration that continues to drive humanity to new heights. Earhart’s connection to this iconic aircraft ensures that both her legacy and the Vega 5B will be remembered for generations to come.