"Chris Clarke" (shiftsandgiggles)
07/17/2014 at 12:13 • Filed to: planelopnik, constellation
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"Chris Clarke" (shiftsandgiggles)
07/17/2014 at 12:13 • Filed to: planelopnik, constellation | 3
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Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling sponsored a restoration of a C-121C Super Constellation, registration N73544, that is based in Basel and has since been featured in its advertisements. They decided to fire up all four engines and put on a show for the crowd in Hampshire, England.
The second flying Connie, a former USAF C-121C Super Constellation,was secured and restored by The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). The aircraft was subsequently painted in pseudo-Qantas livery and registered in Australia as VH-EAG. The aircraft is currently based in Wollongong.
The Constellation is famous for being the first pressurized transcontinental airliner and developed by Lockheed based on the requirements of Howard Hughes for operation for TWA airlines.
I've been lucky enough to witness 2 previous flying Connies and have even had the chance to tour the cabin. Quite possibly one of my favorite aircraft of all times.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Chris Clarke
07/17/2014 at 12:14 |
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I think I saw a Connie in an ad the other day. Don't think it was a Breitling ad, oddly enough, although it may have been.
Bad Idea Hat
> Chris Clarke
07/17/2014 at 13:42 |
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That's such a beautiful, beautiful airplane.
I can't think of anything else. I just want to stare.
Timshel
> Chris Clarke
07/19/2014 at 17:38 |
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The engines for that Connie were overhauled by Anderson Aeromotive in Grangeville Idaho. Turbo compound R-3350s are a beautiful piece of equipment.
Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
> Timshel
07/25/2014 at 14:49 |
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And complex too. I read the PRTs on those engines are disabled to keep from blowing jugs. It's not like they need them anymore as that plane never goes high enough to need the power.