Aero L-39 Albatros (N500LN)

Yes, this does contain some Lockheed parts, namely the outer wing panels, the gear and assorted accessories, but this plane is not a Lockheed PV-1 by any means.

It's a Howard 500, and is one of only two flyable 500's in the world.

Here's a link describing all the changes and original designing that Dee Howard and Ed Swearingen did to create this transcontinental executive transport.

http://www.gjsmith.net/Milton_Shupe/howard500/Howard500history.htm

Very nice article and great photos! Whenever FlightAware does not have a "code" for an aircraft, I always go by the official FAA website. In this case it has N500LN as a 1960 Lockheed PV-1. I do understand where you are coming from by the article and i agree, the FAA should have it as a Howard and not a Lockheed. Thank you Jim for the article and I hope anybody else that reads this will click the link and read it too. Thanks and take care Jim.

Indeed, no Lockheed PV1 ever swung props like that! The war era PVs had R-2600 engines, and although 200 cubic inches may not sound like a lot when you are already well over two and a half thousand, aero engine technology by the end of the war allowed the R-2800 to generate a thousand more horsepower than the earliest 2600s. Those P&W R2800s give this baby some serious range and speed. Round motors rock.

I think Howard did a 700 as well before it was all over.