The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar is an American three-engine, wide-body airliner that made its first flight in 1970 and entered commercial service in 1972. It was designed as a medium-to-long-range passenger jet and was a significant competitor in the wide-body market of its time.
A defining characteristic of the L-1011 is its trijet configuration: two engines are mounted under the wings, and a third engine is integrated into the tail section through an S-duct, giving it a distinctive appearance. This third engine is a Rolls-Royce RB211 turbofan, known for its power and efficiency.
Technologically, the L-1011 was quite advanced for its era. It featured an innovative automatic landing system that allowed for fully automatic landings even in zero-visibility conditions, which was a remarkable feat at the time. It also incorporated an advanced autopilot and an inertial navigation system. The aircraft was praised for its comfortable and spacious cabin, which was quieter than many of its contemporaries.
Despite its many innovations and strong operational performance, the TriStar faced intense competition from the Boeing 747 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. This fierce market battle, coupled with financial difficulties experienced by Lockheed, led to lower sales than projected. Production of the L-1011 ceased in 1984, with only 250 units built, making it Lockheed's last venture into the commercial airliner market. Nevertheless, the L-1011 holds a respected place in aviation history for its pioneering technology and contribution to air travel.
