Lockheed R6V Constitution

Lockheed · United States · first flew 1946 · transport aircraft

The Lockheed R6V Constitution was a large, propeller-driven, double-decker transport developed in the 1940s as a long-range, high-capacity transport and airliner. Only two were built, both prototypes.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Double-bubble fuselage with a figure-eight cross-section
• Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines in the thick wings
• Tail about 50 ft (15 m) tall

A very large four-engined propeller aircraft with a double-bubble fuselage and thick wings through which tunnels reached the engines.

Specifications

• The Lockheed R6V Constitution has a length of 47.57 m (156 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 57.64 m (189 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 490 km/h (304 mph).
• Typical crew: 12.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The design began in 1942 as a joint study by the US Navy, Pan American and Lockheed. The first aircraft flew on 9 November 1946 and early tests showed it was underpowered, so the engines were changed to 3,500 hp R-4360-22W units.

Variants

The contract of 50 aircraft was cut to two after VJ Day. The first flight was made with interim R-4360-18 engines.

Where you'll see it

Both aircraft went into service with the US Navy, and the Constitution remains the largest fixed-wing aircraft type ever operated by it. Its design proved too large and underpowered for airline use at the time.

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