The story
The Lockheed Constellation, with its triple tail and graceful curves, is often called the most beautiful airliner ever built. Many survive in museums, but only a handful are still airworthy.
Howard Hughes personally influenced the Constellation's design while ordering a fleet for TWA.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Constellation?
Triple vertical tail is unmistakable. Dolphin-shaped fuselage. Four radial engines. A flying legend.
What does a Constellation sound like?
Four Wright radials — a deep, propeller-driven roar that makes spectators stop and stare.
How fast is the Constellation?
Top speed is 328 kts.
How many passengers does the Constellation carry?
Up to 109. A typical layout is 62-95 passengers.
How far can the Constellation fly?
Range is about 4,690 nmi.
How big is the Constellation?
It is 116 ft 2 in (L-1049G) long and 126 ft 2 in (L-1049G) across the wings.
When did the Constellation first fly?
Its first flight was in 1943.
How many Constellations have been built?
856 built.
What do crews call the Constellation?
The Connie.
How rare is a Constellation in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Constellation catch is worth 25 points.
