Lockheed L-1011 TriStar

CHARLIE ALFA 🇺🇸

12 Apr 2026 · © All photos taken by me, copyright protected.

The very last Airworthy Lockheed L-1011 Tristar at Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu. ———————————————————————Orbital ATK (Northrop Grumman) 🇺🇸| Lockheed L-1011 Tristar (Stargazer) | N140SC | PHNL / HNL 🇺🇸

5 likes 3 comments

Comments (3)

🛩️

Domi · 12 Apr 2026

Insane shot!

🛩️

CHARLIE ALFA · 12 Apr 2026

🤜🏼🤛🏼

Kiwi Aviation · 12 Apr 2026

Brilliant!

More like this

Lockheed C-130 Hercules (L-382/EC-130/QC-130)

Aircraft

L-1011 TriStar L101

Orbital ATK (Stargazer)

N140SC

Registration

Airline

Orbital ATK (now part of Northrop Grumman)

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend, Airport Explorer

4 badges earned

Location

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

HNL/PHNL

21.3184, -157.9260

Open map

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport HNL

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The only L-1011 TriStar still flying; modified as an air-launch platform for Pegasus rockets to deliver satellites into orbit. Only operational example of its kind.

Fleet Rarity

1 of 1 in this configuration and role. Last operational L-1011 TriStar in the world.

Record Flights

Has launched numerous Pegasus rockets with satellites into low-Earth orbit, including NASA, commercial, and military payloads.

Safety & Events

Worked with NASA and commercial satellite launches; a unique role as the last flying example of the TriStar, and the only operational aircraft-based launch platform for satellites of this type.

Future Outlook

Currently operational for Northrop Grumman/Orbital ATK launches, but fate uncertain as the airframe continues to age.

Specifications

Rolls-Royce RB211-524B4

Engine

47.34 meters

Wingspan

50.05 meters

Length

7,410 km

Range

917 km/h

Speed

(Modified) N/A – Launch platform, originally up to 400 passengers

Capacity

231,332 kg

MTOW

16.87 meters

Height

222 kN (each engine)

Thrust

Stage 3 (ICAO)

Noise