Lockheed L-649 Constellation

The Lockheed L‑649 Constellation was the final and most refined variant of the iconic four‑engine, triple‑tail airliner that first took to the skies in 1943. Developed by Lockheed Corporation after World War II, the L‑649 entered service in 1949, incorporating pressurised cabins, a longer fuselage, and an upgraded Wright R‑3350‑C4 Turbo‑Compound engines that delivered 3,400 hp each. The aircraft featured a fully retractable tricycle landing gear, a sleek “bird‑of‑prey” nose, and a spacious passenger cabin capable of carrying 52‑64 travelers in comfort, thanks to improved sound‑proofing and climate control. Its increased range of roughly 5,400 miles allowed trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific routes without refuelling stops, making it a backbone of airlines such as TWA, Eastern, and KLM. The L‑649 also served the U.S. Air Force as the C‑121J for cargo and personnel transport, showcasing the design’s versatility. Though only 61 units were built before production shifted to the more powerful L‑749, the L‑649 represented the pinnacle of piston‑engine airliner technology, bridging the gap to the jet age and cementing the Constellation’s legacy as a symbol of post‑war aeronautical elegance and performance.

Lockheed Corporation

Lockheed L-649 Constellation

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