Lockheed C-69 Constellation

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The Constellation was developed as a four engined civilian airliner, and in that role (after the war) it became the most elegant and certainly one of the most successful airliners ever produced by US industry. In 1943, however, when the prototype took its maiden flight, the U.S. was at war and needed a fast military transport. Production of the new airliner was converted into the C-69 military version, which was produced until the war's end, when the civilian airliner was once again produced. 856 Constellations were built during the production run of the aircraft, though only 21 were built to USAAF specifications before the war's end (and not all of those entered service). After the war all of examples of the C-69 were sold to civil operators.

Additional information on this aircraft can be found at Wikipedia here.
(updated February 2009)
 

Lockheed C-69 Constellation

Type:		cargo and passenger transport
Crew:		4
Armament:	none

Specifications:
	Length:        	95' 2" (29.01 m)
	Height:        	23' 8" (7.21 m)
	Wingspan:      	123' 0" (37.49 m)
	Wing area:	1650 sq. ft (153.29 sq. m)
	Empty Weight:  	50,500 lb (22,906 kg)
	Max Weight: 	72,000 lb (32,659 kg) max at takeoff

Propulsion:
	No. of Engines:	4
	Powerplant:    	Wright R-3350-35 Cyclone 18 radial
	Horsepower:	2200 hp each

Performance:
	Range:		2400 miles (3862 km)
	Cruise Speed:   300 mph ( 483 km/h)
	Max Speed:      330 mph ( 531 km/h)
	Ceiling:       	25,000 ft (7620 m)

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