Narrative: Lockheed 10 Electra 1936-1942
Technical Advances
"The Electra brought Delta out of the barnstorming era." Charles Dolson,
hired as a pilot in 1934, later Delta's second CEO.
Flagship of the airline in the later 1930s. The fast, streamlined Electra had modern instrumentation and retractable wheels.
The Electra was Delta's first all-metal aircraft. Earlier Delta aircraft were metal frames covered with a skin of fabric and epoxy, or "dope."
Interior
The Electra held 10 passengers and 2 pilots. Cabin appointments included hat nets, window curtains, a dome light, reading lamps, ashtrays, drinking water and a lavatory.
With the Lockheed 10, Delta introduced its first onboard meal service — box lunches and coffee served by the co-pilot.
Bag bins (used for passenger bags and air mail) were located under the wings and in the nose.