The Lockheed Constellation
Wixey, Ken
The Lockheed Constellation, or 'Connie', äs she became known, was probably the most aesthetically pleasing four-engine, piston aeroplane to reach quantity production. It was a magnificent and extremely efficient aeroplane and deserved the many accolades bestowed upon it, and must surely rank arnong the all-time greats in aviation history.
When originally designed the Connie was aimed squarely at the commercial market and was the result of a design brief frorn Transcontinental and Western Airlines.
However, the first flight took place in January 1943 and the Connie was soon pressed in to military service. It could fly faster than some versions of Japanese fighters and could carry both vehicles and troops over long distances faster than any four-engine aircraft in production.
By the late 1950s the advent of jet airliners led to most Connies being relegated to secondary duties, many with less significant airlines. Quite a number ended up as freighters while other machines quickly became redundant and sadly fell before the breakers' torch.
The Connie is considered as probably the most elegant and successful four-engine, piston airliner constructed in the United States. This is the story of a classic aircraft type and this book is a tribute to the Lockheed Constellation in all its forms, military and civil.
Softcover
160 Seiten / pages
many photos and some technical drawings
very good condition
Strout, Glochestershire, UK - 2001 - Tempus Publishing
Art.Nr. 25683
