Lockheed Constellation

Prompted by a request from Howard Hughes (and TWA) in 1939, Lockheed’s team broke the mold of early airliner design with the Constellation. A real head turner, the ‘Connie’ raised the bar in performance, economy and passenger comfort. However, the relationship with TWA and Hughes limited Lockheed’s sales to other airliners, and as a result, profits suffered. Although sales outside the US were better, with the Constellation proving popular in South America and Europe, the post-World War Two market was still not as buoyant as hoped. With sales looking grim, Lockheed found a new supporter – the US military. The military’s enthusiasm for the development of the Connie in turn benefitted civilian airlines as well, with the Super Constellation and Starliner variants, the latter of which failed to make a large impression as the world started to turn towards jet power. With the arrival of the jet, Constellations were replaced by major operators, although a number did remain in passenger service until the late 1960s (the last passenger flight took place in 1978 in the Dominican Republic). This highly illustrated book tracks the Constellation from its inception through to its retirement from service, showcasing why it was so special. This is a new edition of Aeroplane Classic Airliner Constellation.