Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation
Encyclopedia
The Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation is an aircraft in the Lockheed Constellation
aircraft line. The aircraft was Lockheed's response to the successful Douglas DC-6
airliner and first flew in 1950. The aircraft was also produced for both the United States Navy
and Air Force
as transport and AWACS aircraft.
with a fuselage lengthened by 13 feet. The next was an L-749
lengthened by 18 feet. Neither was built due to the lack of suitable engines on the civilian market.
The idea was relaunched after a threat appeared, when the Douglas Aircraft Company
launched a stretched version of its own DC-6
airliner as a cargo transport for both military and civilian operators designated the DC-6A. Douglas was soon to launch a passenger version of this new aircraft known as the DC-6B. The new DC-6 had the capability of carrying 23 more passengers than Lockheed's current production L-749 Constellation.
In 1950, Lockheed had purchased the original XC-69 Constellation
prototype back from Howard Hughes
's Hughes Tool Company
. The XC-69 however, was equipped with four Pratt & Whitney R-2800
radials instead of the Wright R-3350
engines which usually powered the Constellation (this had been done by Lockheed to test the R-2800 as a possible engine option for the L-049). The XC-69 was lengthened by 18 feet, to become the basis for the L-1049 Super Constellation. The aircraft first flew later that year still fitted with R-2800 engines, but was quickly refitted with R-3350 956-C18CA-1 engines with jet stacks to help enhance the performance of the aircraft. Later modifications included strengthened landing gear and larger vertical stabilizers. Being impressed, Eastern Air Lines
had placed an order for 10 aircraft, while Trans World Airlines
(TWA) followed with a larger order for 14 aircraft. The L-1049 had almost 550 improvements and modifications compared to the L-749. Improvements over the L-749 included increased fuel capacity, rectangular portholes, larger cockpit windshields and improved heating and pressurization.
In 1953, the R-3350 Turbo-compounds were made available for civilian use. This led to the model L-1049C, which first flew on February 17 of that same year. The R-330-972-TC18DA-1 turbo-compound engine
s used by the L-1049C included a new turbine
system called a Power Recovery Turbine (PRT for short), which was placed aft of each row of six cylinders. This allowed the engine to produce more power by driving gasses through the triple staged turbine system, rating each individual engine at 550 bhp. But due to this, large flames came out of the exhaust pipes. This was later solved by placing armor plating 2 in (5.08 cm) thick around the PRTs. L-1049C now had an increased cruising speed and climb rate. Although still lacking the range of the DC-6B, the L-1049C was now identical in performance to the Douglas and was now capable of carrying a larger payload. The wings of the new model were re-inforced along with sound-proofing in the cabin of the aircraft. The landing gear retraction system was also improved. A new series of interior layouts was offered for the new model; "Siesta" (47 Passengers with increased luxury), "Intercontinental" (54 - 60 Passengers) and "Inter-urban" (105 Passengers). Each of these new layouts included Reading Light
s attached to every seat. In all, 48 L-1049C models were constructed, being used by Eastern, TWA, Air France
, KLM, Trans-Canada Air Lines
, QANTAS
, Air India
, Pakistan International Airlines
, Avianca
, Iberia, Linea Aeropostal Venezolana and Compania Cubana de Aviacion.
A freighter version, known as the L-1049D, first flew in August 1954. The L-1049D included two cargo doors on the left hand side and a reinforced magnesium floor as used on the R7V-1 military variant of the L-1049B. The L-1049D could carry a total of 36,916 lbs (16,788.4 kg) and had a volume of 5,579 cu ft (157.98 cu m). At the time of its first flight, the L-1049D was the largest cargo aircraft. In the end, only four were produced and all were delivered to Seaboard & Western Airlines
. Two of the four L-1049D aircraft were later converted to L-1049H standards.
The L-1049E had better success than the L-1049D with 28 being constructed for eight separate airline companies. Although similar to the L-1049C, the L-1049E was able to carry the same maximum load as the L-1049D. Despite this, the L-1049C and L-1049E could not cross the Atlantic Ocean
without a stop-over due to possible weather issues. Lockheed thought of fitting a new variant based on the L-1049E with more powerful powerplants, but the project was cancelled. A different variant surfaced with the L-1049C as a base. This new variant would be powered by R-3350-972-TC18DA-3 Turbo-compounds which were more powerful than the previous DA-1 model. The aircraft would carry 71 to 95 passengers at a speed of 331 mph (532.69 km/h). Wingtip tanks were designed to carry extra fuel, which increased the range of the new model by 1,110 miles (1,786.4 km). The new tanks added 1,037 gallons of fuel to the aircraft allowing it to fly transatlantic or from Los Angeles
to Boston
nonstop, which the Douglas DC-7
was unable to do if headwinds existed. A new Bendix
or RCA
could be installed in the nose of the new aircraft, modifying the overall outline if chosen. New Hamilton Standard
or Curtiss Electric propellers were also offered. Overall, this new version of the L-1049 had over 100 separate modifications. The new variant was unveiled in June 1953 as the L-1049G (L-1049F being already used for the military C-121C). Over 100 L-1049G aircraft were ordered by sixteen separate corporations. The L-1049G first flew on December 17, 1954 and first entered service with Northwest Orient Airlines
in 1955. The nickname "Super G" (which was first used by TWA) was later adopted for the L-1049G.
The L-1049H first flew on November 20, 1956. Called "Super H" and "Husky", the L-1049H was a convertible passenger/freight aircraft, mating a C-121C based fuselage with L-1049G components. The cargo hold was 188 ft (57.302 m) long with a volume of 565 cu ft (15.99 cu m) when including the lower hold. The aircraft in passenger configuration could carry 94 to 120 people with seats, luggage lockers, Reading Lights and toilets all available for use along with the option of decorating the walls of the aircraft. When not in use, the luggage lockers and seats could be stowed in the lower hold. The aircraft entered service with QANTAS a month later. Some L-1049G and H aircraft in later production were fitted with the TC-18EA series engines used on the L-1649 Starliner
. A final variant was planned in 1957, known as the L-1049J. Powered by four four R-3350-988-TC-18EA-6 engines, the L-1049J was based on the L-1049H with the wings of the R7V-2 Constellation and an extra fuel tank in the fuselage of the aircraft.
versions of the R-3350 were not yet availible for civillian usage, leaving Lockheed to use a less powerful version. The aircraft entered service with Eastern Air Lines in December, being put on the Miami to New York run. Eastern would later operate both the L-1049C and L-1049G. TWA followed, operating their aircraft from New York to Los Angeles. TWA also used their L-1049G aircraft on transatlantic services, doing 50 different crossings every week. In 1956, a TWA L-1049 traveling the route, collided with a United Airlines DC-7
over the Grand Canyon
, leading to the deaths of all onboard both aircraft. KLM first introduced the model L-1049C on the Amsterdam
to New York
run. KLM used their L-1049G equipment between Tokyo
and Sydney
. Air France
used its L-1049C aircraft on the airline's first regular transatlantic services. Seaboard & Western Airlines
used their L-1049D aircraft on unscheduled transatlantic cargo flights to either Germany or Switzerland. From the summer of 1955 to the spring of 1956, the British Overseas Airways Corporation
(BOAC) leased three of Seaboards' L-1049D aircraft for passenger operations. Northwest Orient Airlines
used their L-1049G aircraft on Pacific routes originating in Seattle, Washington
and heading to either Tokyo
, Okinawa or Manilla
. The scheduled freight operator, Flying Tiger Line
, used the L-1049H variant on North American routes and service for the Military Air Transport Service
. It is worth mentioning that one Flying Tigers L-1049H was the last Constellation to be constructed in 1959.
Most Super Constellations were retired by their original operators after the advent of the Boeing 707
and Douglas DC-8
. The last commercial flight of the L-1049 Super Constellation occurred in 1993, when the Federal Aviation Administration
banned all airlines from the Dominican Republic
that flew Constellations to the United States (this done due to safety concerns). At the time, the Dominican airlines were the last operators of any version of the Constellation.
Numerous military versions were operated by the United States Navy
and United States Air Force
. The aircraft were operated as transport aircraft and AWACS platforms. These aircraft would later see service in the Vietnam War
, and would encounter several other roles including the transmission of television programs from the United States
for the troops serving in the war and observing the Ho Chi Minh Trail
. The last US Military Super Constellations were retired in 1982 by the United States Air Force. The Indian Air Force
and Indian Navy
used former Air India
L-1049C, E and G versions converted by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
for use as Sea Air and Rescue aircraft. They were eventually retired between the years of 1981 and 1983 and were replaced by Tupolev Tu-142
aircraft. The Indian Military was the last military operator of the Constellation.
L-1049C
L-1049D
L-1049E
L-1049G
L-1049H
L-1049J
L-1149
L-1049B
L-1049F
Bibliography
Lockheed Constellation
The Lockheed Constellation was a propeller-driven airliner powered by four 18-cylinder radial Wright R-3350 engines. It was built by Lockheed between 1943 and 1958 at its Burbank, California, USA, facility. A total of 856 aircraft were produced in numerous models, all distinguished by a...
aircraft line. The aircraft was Lockheed's response to the successful Douglas DC-6
Douglas DC-6
The Douglas DC-6 is a piston-powered airliner and transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1946 to 1958. Originally intended as a military transport near the end of World War II, it was reworked after the war to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-range...
airliner and first flew in 1950. The aircraft was also produced for both the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
and Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
as transport and AWACS aircraft.
Development
Since 1943, Lockheed had been planning a stretched variant of the Constellation family. The first was an L-049Lockheed L-049 Constellation
The Lockheed L-049 Constellation was the first model of the Lockheed Constellation aircraft line. It entered service as the C-69 military transport aircraft during World War II for the United States Army Air Forces and was the first civilian version after the war...
with a fuselage lengthened by 13 feet. The next was an L-749
Lockheed L-749 Constellation
-See also:- References :CitationsBibliography* Breffort, Dominique. Lockheed Constellation: from Excalibur to Starliner Civilian and Military Variants. Paris: Histoire and Collecions, 2006. Print. ISBN 2915239622-External Links:...
lengthened by 18 feet. Neither was built due to the lack of suitable engines on the civilian market.
The idea was relaunched after a threat appeared, when the Douglas Aircraft Company
Douglas Aircraft Company
The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace manufacturer, based in Long Beach, California. It was founded in 1921 by Donald Wills Douglas, Sr. and later merged with McDonnell Aircraft in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas...
launched a stretched version of its own DC-6
Douglas DC-6
The Douglas DC-6 is a piston-powered airliner and transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1946 to 1958. Originally intended as a military transport near the end of World War II, it was reworked after the war to compete with the Lockheed Constellation in the long-range...
airliner as a cargo transport for both military and civilian operators designated the DC-6A. Douglas was soon to launch a passenger version of this new aircraft known as the DC-6B. The new DC-6 had the capability of carrying 23 more passengers than Lockheed's current production L-749 Constellation.
In 1950, Lockheed had purchased the original XC-69 Constellation
Lockheed C-69 Constellation
The Lockheed C-69 Constellation was the first military version of the Lockheed Constellation aircraft line. It first flew in 1943, and only 22 were ever constructed for the United States Army Air Forces...
prototype back from Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes
Howard Robard Hughes, Jr. was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, film producer, director, and philanthropist. He was one of the wealthiest people in the world...
's Hughes Tool Company
Hughes Tool Company
Hughes Tool Company was established in 1908 as Sharp-Hughes Tool Company when Howard R. Hughes, Sr. patented a roller cutter bit that dramatically improved the rotary drilling process for oil drilling rigs. He partnered with longtime business associate Walter Benona Sharp to manufacture and market...
. The XC-69 however, was equipped with four Pratt & Whitney R-2800
Pratt & Whitney R-2800
The Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp is a two-row, 18-cylinder, air-cooled radial aircraft engine with a displacement of 2,804 in³ , and is part of the long-lived Wasp family....
radials instead of the Wright R-3350
Wright R-3350
The Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone was one of the most powerful radial aircraft engines produced in the United States. It was a twin row, supercharged, air-cooled, radial engine with 18 cylinders. Power ranged from 2,200 to over 3,700 hp , depending on the model...
engines which usually powered the Constellation (this had been done by Lockheed to test the R-2800 as a possible engine option for the L-049). The XC-69 was lengthened by 18 feet, to become the basis for the L-1049 Super Constellation. The aircraft first flew later that year still fitted with R-2800 engines, but was quickly refitted with R-3350 956-C18CA-1 engines with jet stacks to help enhance the performance of the aircraft. Later modifications included strengthened landing gear and larger vertical stabilizers. Being impressed, Eastern Air Lines
Eastern Air Lines
Eastern Air Lines was a major United States airline that existed from 1926 to 1991. Before its dissolution it was headquartered at Miami International Airport in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida.-History:...
had placed an order for 10 aircraft, while Trans World Airlines
Trans World Airlines
Trans World Airlines was an American airline that existed from 1925 until it was bought out by and merged with American Airlines in 2001. It was a major domestic airline in the United States and the main U.S.-based competitor of Pan American World Airways on intercontinental routes from 1946...
(TWA) followed with a larger order for 14 aircraft. The L-1049 had almost 550 improvements and modifications compared to the L-749. Improvements over the L-749 included increased fuel capacity, rectangular portholes, larger cockpit windshields and improved heating and pressurization.
In 1953, the R-3350 Turbo-compounds were made available for civilian use. This led to the model L-1049C, which first flew on February 17 of that same year. The R-330-972-TC18DA-1 turbo-compound engine
Turbo-compound engine
A turbo-compound engine is a reciprocating engine that employs a blowdown turbine to recover energy from the exhaust gases. The turbine is usually mechanically connected to the crankshaft but electric and hydraulic systems have been investigated as well. The turbine increases the output of the...
s used by the L-1049C included a new turbine
Turbine
A turbine is a rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow and converts it into useful work.The simplest turbines have one moving part, a rotor assembly, which is a shaft or drum with blades attached. Moving fluid acts on the blades, or the blades react to the flow, so that they move and...
system called a Power Recovery Turbine (PRT for short), which was placed aft of each row of six cylinders. This allowed the engine to produce more power by driving gasses through the triple staged turbine system, rating each individual engine at 550 bhp. But due to this, large flames came out of the exhaust pipes. This was later solved by placing armor plating 2 in (5.08 cm) thick around the PRTs. L-1049C now had an increased cruising speed and climb rate. Although still lacking the range of the DC-6B, the L-1049C was now identical in performance to the Douglas and was now capable of carrying a larger payload. The wings of the new model were re-inforced along with sound-proofing in the cabin of the aircraft. The landing gear retraction system was also improved. A new series of interior layouts was offered for the new model; "Siesta" (47 Passengers with increased luxury), "Intercontinental" (54 - 60 Passengers) and "Inter-urban" (105 Passengers). Each of these new layouts included Reading Light
Reading Light
Reading Light , also known as Tel Kudadi Light, Hayarkon Light and Tel Aviv Light, is an inactive lighthouse in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is located near the beach on the north side of the Yarkon River Estuary, on the foot of the Tel Aviv south breakwater...
s attached to every seat. In all, 48 L-1049C models were constructed, being used by Eastern, TWA, Air France
Air France
Air France , stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France, , and is one of the world's largest airlines. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance...
, KLM, Trans-Canada Air Lines
Trans-Canada Air Lines
Trans-Canada Air Lines was a Canadian airline and operated as the country's flag carrier. Its corporate headquarters were in Montreal, Quebec...
, QANTAS
Qantas
Qantas Airways Limited is the flag carrier of Australia. The name was originally "QANTAS", an initialism for "Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services". Nicknamed "The Flying Kangaroo", the airline is based in Sydney, with its main hub at Sydney Airport...
, Air India
Air India
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India. It is part of the government of India owned Air India Limited . The airline operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Its corporate office is located at the Air India Building at Nariman...
, Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines
Pakistan International Airlines Corporation commonly known as PIA, is the flag carrier airline of Pakistan. The airline has its head office on the grounds of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. and operates scheduled services to 24 domestic destinations and 38 international destinations in 27...
, Avianca
Avianca
Avianca S.A. is the flag carrier airline of Colombia since December 5, 1919 when it was initially registered under the name SCADTA. It is headquartered in Bogotá, D.C. with its hub at the El Dorado International Airport...
, Iberia, Linea Aeropostal Venezolana and Compania Cubana de Aviacion.
A freighter version, known as the L-1049D, first flew in August 1954. The L-1049D included two cargo doors on the left hand side and a reinforced magnesium floor as used on the R7V-1 military variant of the L-1049B. The L-1049D could carry a total of 36,916 lbs (16,788.4 kg) and had a volume of 5,579 cu ft (157.98 cu m). At the time of its first flight, the L-1049D was the largest cargo aircraft. In the end, only four were produced and all were delivered to Seaboard & Western Airlines
Seaboard World Airlines
Seaboard World Airlines was an international all-cargo airline based in the United States. Its headquarters were on the grounds of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.- History :...
. Two of the four L-1049D aircraft were later converted to L-1049H standards.
The L-1049E had better success than the L-1049D with 28 being constructed for eight separate airline companies. Although similar to the L-1049C, the L-1049E was able to carry the same maximum load as the L-1049D. Despite this, the L-1049C and L-1049E could not cross the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
without a stop-over due to possible weather issues. Lockheed thought of fitting a new variant based on the L-1049E with more powerful powerplants, but the project was cancelled. A different variant surfaced with the L-1049C as a base. This new variant would be powered by R-3350-972-TC18DA-3 Turbo-compounds which were more powerful than the previous DA-1 model. The aircraft would carry 71 to 95 passengers at a speed of 331 mph (532.69 km/h). Wingtip tanks were designed to carry extra fuel, which increased the range of the new model by 1,110 miles (1,786.4 km). The new tanks added 1,037 gallons of fuel to the aircraft allowing it to fly transatlantic or from Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
to Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
nonstop, which the Douglas DC-7
Douglas DC-7
The Douglas DC-7 is an American transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1953 to 1958. It was the last major piston engine powered transport made by Douglas, coming just a few years before the advent of jet aircraft such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8.-Design and...
was unable to do if headwinds existed. A new Bendix
Bendix Corporation
The Bendix Corporation was an American manufacturing and engineering company which during various times in its 60 year existence made brake systems, aeronautical hydraulics, avionics, aircraft and automobile fuel control systems, radios, televisions and computers, and which licensed its name for...
or RCA
RCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
could be installed in the nose of the new aircraft, modifying the overall outline if chosen. New Hamilton Standard
Hamilton Standard
Hamilton Standard, an aircraft propeller parts supplier, was formed in 1929 when United Aircraft and Transport Corporation consolidated Hamilton Aero Manufacturing and Standard Steel Propeller into the Hamilton Standard Propeller Corporation. Other members of the corporation included Boeing,...
or Curtiss Electric propellers were also offered. Overall, this new version of the L-1049 had over 100 separate modifications. The new variant was unveiled in June 1953 as the L-1049G (L-1049F being already used for the military C-121C). Over 100 L-1049G aircraft were ordered by sixteen separate corporations. The L-1049G first flew on December 17, 1954 and first entered service with Northwest Orient Airlines
Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines, Inc. was a major United States airline founded in 1926 and absorbed into Delta Air Lines by a merger approved on October 29, 2008, making Delta the largest airline in the world...
in 1955. The nickname "Super G" (which was first used by TWA) was later adopted for the L-1049G.
The L-1049H first flew on November 20, 1956. Called "Super H" and "Husky", the L-1049H was a convertible passenger/freight aircraft, mating a C-121C based fuselage with L-1049G components. The cargo hold was 188 ft (57.302 m) long with a volume of 565 cu ft (15.99 cu m) when including the lower hold. The aircraft in passenger configuration could carry 94 to 120 people with seats, luggage lockers, Reading Lights and toilets all available for use along with the option of decorating the walls of the aircraft. When not in use, the luggage lockers and seats could be stowed in the lower hold. The aircraft entered service with QANTAS a month later. Some L-1049G and H aircraft in later production were fitted with the TC-18EA series engines used on the L-1649 Starliner
Lockheed L-1649 Starliner
The Lockheed L-1649 Starliner was the last model of the Lockheed Constellation line. Powered by four Wright R-3350 TurboCompound engines, it was built at Lockheed's Burbank, California plant from 1956 to 1958.-Design and Development:...
. A final variant was planned in 1957, known as the L-1049J. Powered by four four R-3350-988-TC-18EA-6 engines, the L-1049J was based on the L-1049H with the wings of the R7V-2 Constellation and an extra fuel tank in the fuselage of the aircraft.
Operational History
The first production example of the L-1049 first flew on July 14, 1951 and received certification in November of that same year. However, the perceived powerplants, Turbo-compoundTurbo-compound engine
A turbo-compound engine is a reciprocating engine that employs a blowdown turbine to recover energy from the exhaust gases. The turbine is usually mechanically connected to the crankshaft but electric and hydraulic systems have been investigated as well. The turbine increases the output of the...
versions of the R-3350 were not yet availible for civillian usage, leaving Lockheed to use a less powerful version. The aircraft entered service with Eastern Air Lines in December, being put on the Miami to New York run. Eastern would later operate both the L-1049C and L-1049G. TWA followed, operating their aircraft from New York to Los Angeles. TWA also used their L-1049G aircraft on transatlantic services, doing 50 different crossings every week. In 1956, a TWA L-1049 traveling the route, collided with a United Airlines DC-7
1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision
The 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision occurred on Saturday, June 30, 1956 at 10:30 AM Pacific Standard Time when a United Airlines passenger airliner struck a Trans World Airlines airliner over the Grand Canyon in Arizona, resulting in the crash of both planes and 128 fatalities...
over the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in the United States in the state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, the 15th national park in the United States...
, leading to the deaths of all onboard both aircraft. KLM first introduced the model L-1049C on the Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
to New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
run. KLM used their L-1049G equipment between Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
and Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
. Air France
Air France
Air France , stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France, , and is one of the world's largest airlines. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance...
used its L-1049C aircraft on the airline's first regular transatlantic services. Seaboard & Western Airlines
Seaboard World Airlines
Seaboard World Airlines was an international all-cargo airline based in the United States. Its headquarters were on the grounds of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.- History :...
used their L-1049D aircraft on unscheduled transatlantic cargo flights to either Germany or Switzerland. From the summer of 1955 to the spring of 1956, the British Overseas Airways Corporation
British Overseas Airways Corporation
The British Overseas Airways Corporation was the British state airline from 1939 until 1946 and the long-haul British state airline from 1946 to 1974. The company started life with a merger between Imperial Airways Ltd. and British Airways Ltd...
(BOAC) leased three of Seaboards' L-1049D aircraft for passenger operations. Northwest Orient Airlines
Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines, Inc. was a major United States airline founded in 1926 and absorbed into Delta Air Lines by a merger approved on October 29, 2008, making Delta the largest airline in the world...
used their L-1049G aircraft on Pacific routes originating in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
and heading to either Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, Okinawa or Manilla
Manilla
Manilla may refer to:Currency*Manillas, the 'bracelet' currency of West AfricaPlace names* Manilla, New South Wales, Australia* Manilla, Indiana, United States* Manilla, Iowa, United States* Manilla, Ontario, Canada...
. The scheduled freight operator, Flying Tiger Line
Flying Tiger Line
Flying Tiger Line, also known as Flying Tigers, was the first scheduled cargo airline in the United States and a major military charter operator during the Cold War era for both cargo and personnel .- History :...
, used the L-1049H variant on North American routes and service for the Military Air Transport Service
Military Air Transport Service
The Military Air Transport Service is an inactive Department of Defense Unified Command. Activated on 1 June 1948, MATS was a consolidation of the United States Navy Naval Air Transport Service and the United States Air Force Air Transport Command into a single, joint, unified command...
. It is worth mentioning that one Flying Tigers L-1049H was the last Constellation to be constructed in 1959.
Most Super Constellations were retired by their original operators after the advent of the Boeing 707
Boeing 707
The Boeing 707 is a four-engine narrow-body commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Its name is most commonly pronounced as "Seven Oh Seven". The first airline to operate the 707 was Pan American World Airways, inaugurating the type's first commercial flight on...
and Douglas DC-8
Douglas DC-8
The Douglas DC-8 is a four-engined narrow-body passenger commercial jet airliner, manufactured from 1958 to 1972 by the Douglas Aircraft Company...
. The last commercial flight of the L-1049 Super Constellation occurred in 1993, when the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
banned all airlines from the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
that flew Constellations to the United States (this done due to safety concerns). At the time, the Dominican airlines were the last operators of any version of the Constellation.
Numerous military versions were operated by the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
and United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. The aircraft were operated as transport aircraft and AWACS platforms. These aircraft would later see service in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, and would encounter several other roles including the transmission of television programs from the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for the troops serving in the war and observing the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Ho Chi Minh trail
The Ho Chi Minh trail was a logistical system that ran from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam to the Republic of Vietnam through the neighboring kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia...
. The last US Military Super Constellations were retired in 1982 by the United States Air Force. The Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
and Indian Navy
Indian Navy
The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
used former Air India
Air India
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India. It is part of the government of India owned Air India Limited . The airline operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Its corporate office is located at the Air India Building at Nariman...
L-1049C, E and G versions converted by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited based in Bangalore, India, is one of Asia's largest aerospace companies. Under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence, this state-owned company is mainly involved in aerospace industry, which includes manufacturing and assembling aircraft, navigation and...
for use as Sea Air and Rescue aircraft. They were eventually retired between the years of 1981 and 1983 and were replaced by Tupolev Tu-142
Tupolev Tu-142
The Tupolev Tu-142 is a maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber. A specialised communications variant designated Tu-142MR was tasked with long-range communications duties with Soviet ballistic missile submarines...
aircraft. The Indian Military was the last military operator of the Constellation.
Variants
Civilian
L-1049- Initial production version. 24 Built.
L-1049C
- Improved version powered by four R-3350 972TC-18DA1 Turbo-compound engineTurbo-compound engineA turbo-compound engine is a reciprocating engine that employs a blowdown turbine to recover energy from the exhaust gases. The turbine is usually mechanically connected to the crankshaft but electric and hydraulic systems have been investigated as well. The turbine increases the output of the...
s. 48 Built.
L-1049D
- All freight version constructed for Seaboard & Western AirlinesSeaboard World AirlinesSeaboard World Airlines was an international all-cargo airline based in the United States. Its headquarters were on the grounds of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.- History :...
with the same powerplants as the L-1049C. 4 Built.
L-1049E
- L-1049C with an increased MTOW. 28 Built.
L-1049G
- L-1049C with an increased MTOW and four R-3350 972-TC-18DA-3 engines. The option of "Tip Tanks" and Weather Radar were available
- L-1049G/01
- :Version built for VarigVarigVARIG was the first airline founded in Brazil, in 1927. From 1965 until 1990 it was Brazil's leading and almost only international airline...
with a strengthened wing, increased MTOW and four R-3350 988-TC18EA3 engines
L-1049H
- Convertible passenger/freight version of the L-1049G. 53 Built.
- L-1049H/01
- :Version built for the Flying Tiger LineFlying Tiger LineFlying Tiger Line, also known as Flying Tigers, was the first scheduled cargo airline in the United States and a major military charter operator during the Cold War era for both cargo and personnel .- History :...
with increased MTOW and powered by four R-3350 988-TC-18EA-3 engines - L-1049H/02
- :Different landing gear and R-3350 988-TC-18EA-6 engines. Two built
- L-1049H/07
- :Similar to the L-1049H/02. Two built
L-1049J
- Proposed version of the L-1049H/02 with a lengthened wingspan and an extra fuel tank.
L-1149
- Proposed version of the L-1049G and L-1049H to be powered by Allison 501D turboprop engines.
Military
L-1049A- Manufacturer's designation for the WV-2, WV-3 and RC-121D.
L-1049B
- Manufacturer's designation for the R7V-1, RC-121C and VC-121E.
L-1049F
- Manufacturer's designation for the C-121C with strengthened Landing Gear.
Specifications (L-1049C)
See also
Sources
NotesBibliography
- Breffort, Dominique. Lockheed Constellation: from Excalibur to Starliner Civilian and Military Variants. Paris: Histoire and Collecions, 2006. Print. ISBN 2915239622
External Links
- Lockheed Constellation Survivors - A website that explains information and whereabouts of surviving Constellations of all variants, including the Super Constellation.