Lockheed Constellation first flight 71 years ago today

[xkekeith]

As the Lockheed Constellation first flew on 14th July 1951, 71 years ago here are a few I've taken:

"Bataan' N422NA / 48-613 VC-121B ex NASA by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

131643 C-121J Pacific Missile Range USN by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

131654 C-121J ex PR50 VQ-1 USN by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

131659 '659' C-121J ex Agana Guam USN by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

141311 EC-121K PMTC by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

54-164 EC-121S ex 193rd TEWS Penn ANG by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

52-3417 EC-121T AFRES by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

52-3417 flew out of MASDC in July 1981 to a technical college in Helena, MT and is now preserved at the Castle Air Museum:

52-3417 EC-121T USAF by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

54-173 EC-121S ex 193 TEWS Penn ANG by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

Connie sunset:

141309 EC-121K PMTC USN by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

And as it's Farnborough Air Show validation week here's the last Connie to fly at Farnborough, the former USAF C-121C HB-RSC ex 54-156:

HB-RSC Super Constellation by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these, absolutely wonderful and don't I wish I had a time machine. It's such a shame that the Science Museum example at Wroughton remains hangared out if public view, even if it is a civil one, it would be nice to see it on display together with all the other historic gems that are there. At the end of the day, it's the taxpayer who pays for it.

[F3]

Nice idea Keith. Here's my contribution:-

Lockheed Constellation - RIAT '98 by Michael Britton, on Flickr

[Gordsmith]

This from my soon to be posted shots from Point Mugu show '95. Regards, Gordon

March739 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

March768 by Gordon Smith, on Flickr

[Stratocruiser]

FANTASTIC!
Oh what a treat, thanks very much fellas as in my world, pistons take prime position over anything else!
RIAT 98 was a very special show with the restored Connie; they were always a treat to see on the ground and to see them gracefully whispering overhead using the 'Red One' lane over Bournemouth in the late 60's and early 70's.
These are special and a big thanks for sharing them

[xkekeith]

53-0535 EC-121H, an extra one from me, taken at Pima in 1979 I assumed it was a long term resident but was swopped out for a EC-121T in 1981. Eventually scrapped in 2011, some parts survive:

53-535 EC-121H USAF by Keith Heywood, on Flickr

[paddyboy]

I still think the ‘Connie’ is one of the most elegant aircraft ever designed

Thanks, all, for posting

Paddyboy

[Petepilot]

Great theme, great shots! Thanks for sharing!

[F3]

While searching through some boxes in the garage came across an interesting little book on airliners illustrated by Roy Cross (best known for his Airfix kit covers). It included this Constellation painting which merits inclusion. Not military but what the hell!

Constellation painting by Roy Cross by Michael Britton, on Flickr