Lockheed C-69 Constellation (Model L-049)

Long-Range Transport / Electronic Warfare Aircraft (EWA)

United States | 1945

"The Lockheed C-69 Constellation would earn more fame as a passenger transport than in its militarized counterpart."

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Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 02/26/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Lockheed Constellation series of aircraft was a successful design that initially began as a militarized transport, appearing in limited numbers towards the end of World War two, that gained more fame in the civilian transport airliner role soon after. The system was based on the military concept of long-range transport and refined design, incorporating various elements into the fold that would produce one of Lockheed's most memorable models.

The Constellation in any form was powered by four Wright radial engines. Crew accommodations amounted to four personnel and passenger seating varied - depending on model - from 60 to 80. The design of the aircraft sprouted to fulfill a need in the burgeoning airliner market, particularly with Pan American Airways along with Transcontinental and Western Air, for a long range passenger transport system that could truly be used for lengthy journeys throughout the United States. Initial models were flown as early as 1943 though the end of the war saw just 22 examples delivered for military use. By then, production lines had already begun focusing on the domestic transport market with the arrival of the 60-passenger L-049 model. From then on, the series would see an increase to the passenger count, numerous powerplant refinements and the lengthening of the fuselage to produce the "Super Constellation".

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The base L749 passenger model allowed for a crew of four personnel and an additional 81 passengers. Powered by four Wright 749C-18BD-1 Double Cyclone air-cooled radial engines, the aircraft could achieve top speeds of over 340 miles per hour and reach a service ceiling of up to 24,000 feet. The fuselage design was taken into account to provide for a super-refined and streamlined look with the most identifiable feature becoming the three fin tail assembly. One revolutionary design element became the use of a tricycle landing gear system that offered up passenger comfort when taxiing and landing and returned better on-ground performance as a whole.

Beyond the passenger models, the Constellation lived on in militarized electronic warfare and reconnaissance variants. The long-range capabilities and internal carrying capacity opened the series up to some specialized roles that became the PO-1 and VW-2 "Warning Star" systems that went on to become a grouping of EC-121 electronic warfare systems (Constellation systems were later redesignated to C-121). Global coverage assigned to these systems included patrols over the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a Cold War defense role. In the end, Lockheed produced yet another winner thanks to its experience in wartime design. This time, however, the firm made its mark with a passenger transport that became a revolutionary design thanks to its long-range capability.

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Lockheed L749 Constellation Long-Range Transport / Electronic Warfare Aircraft (EWA).

4 x Wright 749C-18BD-1 Double Cyclone air-cooled radial engines developing 2,500 horsepower.
Propulsion

346 mph
557 kph | 301 kts
Max Speed

35,715 ft
10,886 m | 7 miles
Service Ceiling

2,000 miles
3,218 km | 1,738 nm
Operational Range

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Lockheed L749 Constellation Long-Range Transport / Electronic Warfare Aircraft (EWA).

4
(MANNED)
Crew

95.2 ft
29.03 m
O/A Length

123.0 ft
(37.49 m)
O/A Width

23.7 ft
(7.21 m)
O/A Height

60,953 lb
(27,648 kg)
Empty Weight

105,000 lb
(47,627 kg)
MTOW

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Lockheed C-69 Constellation (Model L-049) family line.

C-69 - Transport Variant; Base Series Designation.

L-49 - US Army Tranport Variant

L-049 - 60-Passenger Civil Airliner Production Model.

L-649 - 81-Passenger Civil Airliner Production Model; fitted with Wright 749C-18BD-1 radial engines (x4).

L-749 - Passenger Civil Airliner; increased fuel capacity.

L-1049 "Super Constellation" - Lengthened fuselage; 109-Passenger Civil Airliner Production Model.

L-1649 - Increased wing span; Fitted with Wright 988TC-18EA-2 radial engines; increased fuel capacity; increased range.

C-121 - Transport Variant based on the L-749.

R7O - Naval Transport Variant based on the L-1049.

PO-1 - Early Warning Radar Aircraft Variant

VW-2 "Warning Star" - Early Warning Radar Aircraft Variant.

EC-121 - Electronic Warfare Variant Aircraft.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Lockheed C-69 Constellation (Model L-049). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 856 Units
Contractor(s): Lockheed - USA