The Lockheed Jetstar was the first business jet to enter service, made famous by celebrity owners such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and the villain in the classic James Bond movie, Goldfinger. But the Jetstar was originally developed for the U.S. Air Force as a fast all-weather utility aircraft.

Aviation Week's Robert I. Stanfield flew the first prototype pictured on the cover and evaluated it in a lengthy May 5, 1958 cover story. 

He wrote how the Jetstar "demonstrated its adaptability for training navigator-bombardiers. towing targets, doing high-speed reconnaissance and operating as an electronic or advanced trainer".

"In addition to its qualities as a high-flying 10-passenger VIP jet trasnport, it can haul some 4,000 lb. of cargo." 

The prototype was powered by two UK-made Bristol Orpheus engines, while the Jetstar II, a follow-on version, was fitted with four Honeywell TFE731 turbofans. All production ended by 1979. 

Enjoy unlimited access to the complete Aviation Week Archive which has over 100 Years of Aviation Week — at your fingertips.

Every issue, every page, every article we have ever published. Your subscription includes full access to the archives, plus current Aviation Week & Space Technology articles (both digital and print packages available).