Lockheed Constellation: A History

This illustrated history recounts the development and operational career of the Lockheed Constellation, one of the twentieth century's most iconic airliners. Designed by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson and Hall Hibbard, the Constellation emerged from TWA's 1939 request—made at the instigation of major stockholder Howard Hughes—for a forty-passenger transcontinental aircraft with a 3,500-mile range. This requirement superseded Lockheed's earlier L-044 Excalibur project. Between 1943 and 1958, Lockheed built 856 Constellations in numerous models at its Burbank, California, factory. All featured the aircraft's distinctive triple-tail design and dolphin-shaped fuselage. The Constellation served as a civil airliner and as military and civilian air transport, including service in the Berlin and Biafran airlifts. Three aircraft served as presidential aircraft for Dwight D. Eisenhower. TWA began transatlantic service on February 6, 1946, with a New York-Paris flight. On June 17, 1947, Pan Am opened the first scheduled round-the-world service using their L-749 Clipper America. Graham M. Simons examines the aircraft's design, development, and military and civil service, revealing how the Constellation, as the first pressurized airliner in widespread use, helped establish affordable and comfortable air travel globally. The book includes black-and-white and color photographs, airline brochures, and marketing posters.