Lockheed Constellation

The tail configuration was to fit into hangars of the era and the long nose gear and forward fuselage curve to keep the big props off the ground. However, a picturesque compromise!:D

As to “fish-tailing”, all turns require leading with rudder to a greater or lesser extent. On final approach, the ailerons require two hands in a crosswind [say >10kts] and on asymmetric work. Using the a/p in cruise, turns must be very gentle or the tail will swish in and out of turns, making it a nuisance for those in the rear [1st class in the old days!:mad: ]

Having said that, the rudder is very effective and with a 30kt x-wind limit you have to be careful not to push straight too early [B747 muscle-memory coming to the fore!;) ] Wing down technique also works.

BTW, when you have to use both hands on the ailerons, the Flight Engineer closes the throttles at the pilots call. Rate and timing are usually in accordance with the pitch of the pilot’s voice!!:)

G’day 😉

I totally agree with you, I had the pleasure of seeing one this weekend in Air France colours in Nantes Airport. Such a graceful aircraft!

But now that they have moved her to the apron of the old hangar, on the opposite side of the runway to the passenger terminal, it’s a b****r of a job to get a photo of her!

However what was she like to flying in as a passenger? I have heard tales of fish tailing (yaw). Those three tails seem to indicate an issue.

Without having any of my books at hand…I believe the three tails were from the desire to avoid one tall tail so it could fit into existing hangars.
At least that was the reason behind the 3 tailed DC-4E.

The Boeing 314 was tried with other configurations (I believe it first flew with a single tail) but it did indeed need the extra vert. stabilizer area.
But I’d guess the deeper flying boat hull would have played a part in that.

Lockheed EC-121 Constellation 😎

many thanks superb photo question answered
regards vic

Beautiful aeroplane. I had the privilege of landing at Manston just before the Dutch Connie was about to take off (when it was last in the UK – 5 yrs ago).

However what was she like to flying in as a passenger? I have heard tales of fish tailing (yaw). Those three tails seem to indicate an issue.

I just got a book on Spy Planes for my birthday this week, and it mentions Connies, I will over the weekend have a proper look at it and add a bit more to this thread, especially as I do like Connies (and yes I do mean it :p )

Bex

Constellation propeller blade?

Does anyone recognise this prop blade ?
It is a Curtiss hollow steel blade about 7ft high.

I think it is from a Constellation .

Can anyone shed any light on it?

Thanks

Thought you all would like to see this. It was given to me some years ago, the aircraft is made from aluminium from a Constalation and the stand is a piston from a Constalation engine.

Sorry to say the attachment did not work.

Is the Dutch Connie still ground-bound?

Can anyone comment on the updated Air-Britain book?

I’d like some information before I buy it…

… Its probably been asked before but how many flyers are there left?

This one, Feather #3’s toy. 😉

the Avalon airshow 2007:

BTW, you do know that the design was ‘stolen’ from Faireys. 😀

Actually, Fairey had a pre-war design that was conceptually similar looking – interesting to check it out, and when I posted a photo of a wind-tunnel model here it was a tough call. 😉

Fairey FC1

See: http://www.freewebs.com/faireyaviation/aviation.htm (end of the loooong page)

One of my most memorable flying experiences involved a Connie. My dad filmed the MATS Constellation European tour in 1998. During its Swiss leg he took the opportunity to do some air-to-air over the alps and dragged me (14 at the time) and my smile up too 😀 That was special – if a little bumpy! 😮

Please forgive the shameless plug but that tour DVD is currently DVD of the Month which means its selling for £2.49 rather than £15.99.

I believe the MATS connie in now on static display in S.Korea, a real shame as far as I’m concerned… Its probably been asked before but how many flyers are there left?

Ah brake squeel, that reminds me of Neptunes, you could always tell when they were taxing because of that sound – must have been a Lockheed thing!
Agreed, the Constellation is a vey beautiful aircraft.
I guess the strangest thing they were used for was as camoflaged flying TV stations in the flawed ‘if you got em by the b***s their minds will follow’ campaign during the Vietnam war.

Thanks, Peter the Moderator, my sense of well being was offended!;)

Indeed, the Flight Manual prohibits stalling the Connie due to potential fuel tank damage.

As to the relative beauty of the Hurricane, looks good from the ground, BUT there is no two-seater flying!! OTOH, I’ve just done a mission half-way across this wide brown [very at the moment!!] land and back with 16 POB over and 23 on the way back. Try that in a Hurricane [and given that the PIC on the way over was a re-build helper on the Vacher Hurri]!:)

The Connie is one aircraft I’m just as happy to watch as fly. The four -3350’s at idle as she taxies in, the squeal of the brakes, the flames from the PRT’s on a night takeoff……………ahh, Lockheed [with apologies to Roger Bacon!]

G’day 😉

How about the advanced version?

WV

* WV-1
* WV-2 Warning Star – long-range airborne radar aircraft, R-3350-34 or R-3350-42 engines with 3,400 hp (2,536 kW) each, based on L-1049, later redesignated EC-121K
* WV-2E – experimental version of WV-2, later redesignated EC-121L
* WV-2Q – WV-2 equipped for electronic warfare, later redesignated EC-121M
* WV-3 – eight aircraft equipped for weather reconnaissance

R7

* PO-1W – two maritime patrol aircraft equipped with search radar based on L-749
* R7O-1 – the original US Navy designation of the R7V-1 based on L-1049D, R-3350-91 engines with 3,250 hp (2,425 kW) each
* R7V-1 – later redesignated C-121J
* R7V-1P – one R7V-1 modified for Arctic use
* R7V-2 – four prototypes with Pratt & Whitney YT34-P-12A turboprops of 4,140 shp (3,088 kW) each

Title corrected
Peter,
Moderator

Nah, I’m sure that most forumites would agree that nothing comes close to the perfectly formed Hawker Hurricane. :dev2:

Best wishes
Steve P

I totally agree with you, I had the pleasure of seeing one this weekend in Air France colours in Nantes Airport. Such a graceful aircraft!

Lockheed EC-121 Constellation 😎