Lockheed C-121 Constellation
Lockheed · USA · first flew 1947 · transport aircraft
The C-121 is the military transport version of Lockheed's Constellation, a four-engine airliner famous for its graceful curved fuselage.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Curved dolphin-shaped fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Curved dolphin-shaped fuselage
- Triple-fin tail
- Four Wright R-3350 radials
The sinuous curved fuselage and distinctive triple tail fins identify the Constellation family at a glance.
Specifications
- The Lockheed C-121 Constellation has a length of 35.41 m (116 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 37.49 m (123 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 555 km/h (345 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the L-049/L-749 Constellation family, military C-121 variants entered service from the late 1940s in transport and VIP roles.
Variants
Spawned numerous sub-types including the EC-121 Warning Star airborne early-warning aircraft with large radar radomes.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the US Air Force and Navy for transport, VIP, and radar picket duties into the 1970s.
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