Lockheed L-649 Constellation
Lockheed · United States · first flew 1946 · airliner
The Lockheed L-649 Constellation was the first real civil version of the Constellation, powered by four Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engines.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Triple-fin tail on a long, slender fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Triple-fin tail on a long, slender fuselage
- Four Wright R-3350 radial engines on the wing
- Low wing with an airfoil that thins from root to tip
Look for a four-engined piston airliner with a triple tail, a curved fuselage and tricycle landing gear.
Specifications
- The Lockheed L-649 Constellation has a length of 29.03 m (95 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 37 m (121 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 523 km/h (325 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Lockheed redesigned the L-049 around the improved R-3350, with a strengthened wing and fuselage, a more luxurious cabin and a higher gross weight. The first L-649 flew on 19 October 1946 and it was certificated in May 1947.
Variants
The L-649 was the standard production version, with 16 built. The L-649A had a strengthened structure and extra fuel, and six were built.
Where you'll see it
Eastern Air Lines received most of them from May 1947. Most L-649 and L-649A aircraft were later converted to L-749 and L-749A standards.
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- Lockheed C-121 Constellation
- Lockheed L-749 Constellation
- Convair 110
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- Douglas DC-6
- Grumman G-73 Mallard
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