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The Lockheed L-188 Electra first flew in 1957 as the United States' first large turboprop airliner. Today, only two Canadian companies continue to operate the L-188 Electra: Buffalo Airways and Air Spray. Most of these remaining aircraft have been modified for use as water bombers to combat wildfires.
In the 1950s, many domestic airports lacked the population or cargo demand to support pure-jet service, while piston engines were deemed insufficient for reliable and efficient mainline fleets. This led to the rise of turboprop engines.
Allison's Model 501 turboprop engine offered impressive fuel efficiency and increased flight time compared to piston counterparts. Lockheed built two aircraft types around this engine: the military C-130 Hercules and the L-188 Electra.
