The Lockheed Constellation — last of the great propeller airliners

The last airworthy Connie in flight — photo by Roger Thiedeman

Lockheed’s Super Constellation, officially designated the Model 1049, is aviation’s equivalent of the clipper ship. Like one of those magnificent vessels in full sail, the triple-finned ‘Super Connie’ was a beautiful, high-performing craft — unbelievably graceful in flight and adored by its crew. But like the Cutty Sark, the Constellation too was ultimately doomed to…