The Lockheed Constellation thread....

[Dan4th]

Here's the latest on the Lufthansa Starliner:::::::::::::

http://www.lufthansa-ju52.de/en/43/SuperStar-News/2012/Nummer-Drei-laeuft

First Flight in about a year??????????????

Hope So!

Danf.

[Ducati Boy]

D4th, I seem to recall there being a Connie(ex-Air Force 1) at Waddington airshow the year we started displaying the Vulcan (2008). Awesome machine. Interestingly had an APU to make it completely self-sufficient. Typical 'Merkin' radials, sounded like a million bolts rattling around in a beer barrel but once she opened up we had a glorious symphony of engine music . Beautiful in flight. Anyone know what became of it?

[Dan4th]

The only flying Constellation to visit the
UK in recent years -- and not that recent,
actually -- was the MATS Connie which was
an ex-military passenger aircraft. This would
have been in 1998.....

It displayed out of California for quite a few
years, and then when the airframe timed-out,
she was flown to South Korea where she is now
on display in period KAL livery....

The Breitling Connie was supposed to make a
tour of your country this summer, but engine
difficulties put the kibosh on that

Is this the one you remember???????????



Danf.

[Ducati Boy]

1998??
Could have sworn it was later than that, but I bow to your knowledge your Connieness.
Probably had a Senior moment, I am officially an Old Age pensioner you know.

[Dan4th]

Pat, you will NEVER be OLD!!!!!!!!!!

Danf.

[Ducati Boy]

Not as long as I can still ride my Ducati at an illegal speed now and then

[Dan4th]

This looks about right



How illegal do you want??????????

Danf.

[Ducati Boy]

How much ya got?? Thats a fine Ducati is the S4RS and very fast, my riding buddy has one and clocked 160 mph done the runway at RAF Waddington. I have a 916SP which has done over 165mph, but never had it to top whack anywhere yet.

[Dan4th]

ThIs popped-up first thing this morning, and
it's one from the early 1950s I'd never seen
before.......

Vid quality isn't so hot, but a good watch if
you have a spare 15 minutes:::::::::::



And now we know where Star Trek got one
of their famous catch phrases

I also find it interesting that the prototype
Super Connie was constructed using the
very first Connie and basically re-building
the entire aircraft!

Smart way to save time and money

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Here's the latest from Ralph Pettersen, aka
Round_Engine, on his website:::::::::::::

http://www.conniesurvivors.com/1-connie_news.htm#MAR17

Farnborough and Fairford BOTH

Not at all shabby!

(...nothing about displays, though...)

Danf.

[RLN]

I hope one of our intrpid camping types will video the arrival/departure. Shame that she will only be static at Fairford.

[Xplumberlives]

I hope one of our intrpid camping types will video the arrival/departure. Shame that she will only be static at Fairford.

Stills only I'm afraid!

[RLN]

That will be fine, too. Thanks, Dave.

[Xplumberlives]

Let's hope it all comes together!

[Dan4th]

Cluny has promised his best, so with
Dave's stills and Paul's vids, we might
get some really Good Stuff

I'm only wondering where else she
might go.....

Any guesses???????

My ear is firmly planted to the ground,
and I'll advise if I hear anything new!

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Coming in July to a certain Large British Airshow:::::::::::::::



Too bad she will apparently not be doing any aerial
displays, but I would guess this might be down to
not having an official CAA Display Certification....

Too bad the CAA won't take Germany's/France's/
Switzerland's word for it and let her show off

I am counting on YOU, Cluny, to capture arrival
or departure or BOTH

I also hear she is once again doing full-power T/Os
now that all four engines are up to snuff.....

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Here's the latest on Lufthansa's Constellation
Starliner....

http://www.lufthansa-technik.com/super-star-news-content/-/asset_publisher/I4tE/content/press-release-super-star-news-engine-restoration-media-relations

Looks like they will have in effect a brand
new old aircraft which they will be flying
w-e-l-l into the future

I just wish they'd get ON with it, already!!!!!

Danf.

[Gaz]

Good news indeed!

[Dan4th]

This means that as well as the four engines mounted on the aircraft and the two complete spare engines, the DLBS flying operation will have access in the future to a supply of spare parts that match the components of a further ten Curtiss Wright EA2 engines.

So, that's six fully functional and airworthy
engines plus enough spares to assemble at
least ten more for a total of 16....

With an essentially brand-new airframe, that
ought to give them, what (?), at least 50 years
of flying

I won't be around for it, but one must assume
this Starliner will definitely be the LAST Connie
flying

IF THEY EVER FINISH IT

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Of course, the Starliner won't fly without PROPS:::::::::::::

http://www.lufthansa-technik.com/super-star-news-content/-/asset_publisher/I4tE/content/press-release-super-star-news-propeller-overhaul

I was unaware that the Hamilton Standard props
on the Starliner were unique to that particular
aircraft....

I was likewise clueless that they were the largest
propellers ever used in non-military aviation

First flight 2014?????????????

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Here's some assorted Constellation
footage from the late 1980s::::::



The Kansas City Connie is supposed
to be flying again by around the end
of this year !

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Thought some of you might like this::::::::::::::::::



Who's going to RIAT??????

Danf.

[Kermit]

Have to admit to being most excited about finally seeing a Connie at RIAT ! She may be listed as static, but she ll have to fly in and out, so that ll do me
Cant wait !!!

[Dan4th]

There's a media push on to get the first
Airforce One Constellation, Columbine II,
back in the air -- Finally:::::::::::

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/The-1st-Air-Force-One-grounded-in-Marana-215931281.html

Danf.

[Dan4th]

Departing RIAT:::::::::::::::::::::::





I hope she returns next year!

Danf.