Mystery Plane III -- Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation

Kernel Crittenden

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This Mystery Plane first flew during WWII and, thanks to it's lucky stars, at least one still flies to this day.

What is it?

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Wild guess: Lockheed Constellation.

Ding, ding, ding.... kaaskop49 gets it in 28 minutes!

"lucky stars", Constellation. I'm too easy. Next one is gonna be hard. I'm not kidding this time! Maybe just a close up of the prop nut. The tread pattern on the landing gear wheels.
 
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Ding, ding, ding.... kaaskop49 get it in 28 minutes!

"lucky stars", Constellation. I'm too easy. Next one is gonna be hard. I'm not kidding this time! Maybe just a close up of the prop nut. The tread pattern on the landing gear wheels.

Hate to disappoint you, kernel ;), it was the pattern of the cockpit windows. I flew on Connies several times in the 50s. Back then, a young child could visit the cockpit and I did visit a Connie cockpit. Never bet against me, kernel! :D Off to bed.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
The Constellation first flew in January 1943. Built by Lockheed based on specifications and directives from eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes to equip his new airline TWA. It was powered by four Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engines. The same engine that powered the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and the Douglas A-1 Skyraider.

WWII intervened and the Constellation was drafted into the Air Force as the C-69 military transport. After the war improved versions the Super Constellation and C-121 entered production. Widely popular in both civilian and military service, the Constellation had a successful 30+ year career and was made in large numbers and in many interesting variations, including a powerful turbo-prop version that never went beyond the prototype stage.

A recently restored Lockheed Super Connie at the Museum of Flight in Seattle Washington c. 2012.
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The recently restored and air worthy Breitling Super Constellation "Star of Switzerland". Currently flying the airshow circuit in Europe c. 2013.
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A US Navy Lockheed WC-121N "Willie Victor"of VW-4 Hurricane Hunters in 1967.
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View of the radar operators in an USAF EC-121D "Warning Star" aircraft of the 552nd Airborne Early Warning & Control Wing. Part of the Big Eye Task Force during the Vietnam War.
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Gorgeous aircraft. I loved seeing them in the air and on the ground.
Here's another picture that shows just how beautiful and perfectly proportioned they are.....

Lockheed L-1049F Super Constellation Breitling "Star of Switzerland", July 2013
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If I'm not mistaken, Ike's plane Columbine is at the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio, in their Air Force One collection. (I gotta get out there again).

It is. It is in the annex which is on the active flight line.
10 minute bus ride from the main hangers to the base proper.

I'm 40 minutes from Wright-Patt so if you and some others want to go, let me know. My dad's Boeing Vertol C-21 "banana" is parked in the same annex. I feel great pride every time I see it.
 

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