In 1937 the Lockheed Aircraft Company began producing the Lockheed Hudson. It had a maximum speed of 246 mph (396 km) and had a range of 1,500 miles (2,400 km). It was 44 ft 4 in (13.51 m) long with a wingspan of 65 ft 6 in (19.96 m). The aircraft was armed with 5 machine-guns and could carry 750 lb (240 kg) of bombs.

The Royal Air Force was very impressed with its performance and in 1938 ordered 200. Later this figure was increased to 350. They were delivered in 1939 and were used by the Coastal Command reconnaissance. The Lockheed Hudson was also employed by the United States Air Force for reconnaissance, convoy escort and anti-submarine patrols during the Second World War.