Lockheed Constellation
The
Lockheed Constellation was a four-engine propeller-driven aircraft built by
Lockheed between
1943 and
1958 in its
Burbank, California facility. 856 aircraft were produced, in four model variations. It was used as both a civilian airliner and U.S. military air transport plane, seeing service in the
Berlin Airlift and as the presidential aircraft for
President Eisenhower.
As the first pressurized aircraft in widespread use, it helped to usher in affordable and comfortable air travel for the masses. Among airlines that flew Constellations were Trans World Airlines, Pan American World Airways, BOAC, Air France, KLM, Qantas, El Al and Lufthansa.
The Constellation is distinguished by its distinctive triple-tail design and graceful, dolphin-shaped fuselage.
Several Constellations have been restored in recent years, many of these to flying condition. See below for links.
History
- June 1939 - Initial design started
- May 1943 - Construction begins on model 049
- January 9, 1943 - First flight
- April 18, 1947 - First production model 749
- October 13, 1950 - First flight of model 1049, the "Super Constellation"
- October 11, 1956 - First flight of model 1649, the "Starliner"
Models
- Commercial transport
- L-049
- L-649
- L-749
- L-1049 "Super Constellation"
- L-1049B
- L-1049C
- L-1049D
- L-1049E
- L-1049G
- L-1049H
- L-1249
- L-1649 "Starliner"
- U.S. Army Air Force military transport
- C-69
- C-69A
- C-69B
- C-69C
- C-69D
- XC-69E
- Transports and electronic reconnaissance aircraft, U.S. Air Force
- C-121A
- VC-121B
- C-121C
- RC-121C
- RC-121D
- VC-121E
- VC-121F
- C-121G
- EC-121H
- C-121J
- EC-121J
- EC-121K
- JC-121K
- EC-121L
- EC-121M
- WC-121N
- EC-121P
- EC-121G
- EC-121R
- EC-121S
- EC-121T
- Transports and electronic reconnaissance aircraft, U.S. Navy
External links
Restored Constellations