The Iconic TWA Constellation: Performance and Legacy of a Transatlantic Legend

When I was a kid around 1961, I flew back to the US from Ireland on a TWA Constellation. These early passenger aircraft were not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of a bygone era in aviation. This article explores the performance figures, history, and significance of the TWA Constellation and its sibling, the Lockheed Constellation, during their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s.

Performance Figures and Historical Context

1961 marked the last year for TWA 1649s on transatlantic passenger flights, specifically scheduled flights. According to historical records, your airspeed in cruise was around 300 mph. This was during a crucial time for aviation, where the transatlantic journey from Shannon to Boston would take approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes, covering a distance of 2895 statute miles in March 1961. By May 1961, another manufacturer's 707s had taken over the Shannon flights, while TWA operated just one weekly piston engine transatlantic flight from Lisbon via the Azores.

The Legendary Lockheed Constellation

I have to be honest; I love the Connie. This aircraft was iconic, beautiful, and was lovingly flown and maintained by some of the best people in the business. While I wasn't one of those skilled individuals, I have met people who were both pilots and maintenance crews of these majestic planes.

The Lockheed Constellation, commonly known as the “Connie,” was a pressurized, four-piston-engine aircraft, recognizable by its distinctive “triple tail.” The Super Constellation, which was the most commonly flown version in transoceanic service, had the following specifications:

Wing Span: 123 ft 0 in (37.49 m) Length: 113 ft 7 in (34.60 m) Height: 24 ft 9 in (7.52 m) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 137,500 lbs (62,368 kg) Maximum Speed: 366 mph (589 kph) Cruising Speed: 314 mph (505 kph) Service Ceiling: 23,200 ft (7,071 m) Range (max fuel): 4,760 miles (7,660 km)

The Constellation had about a fifteen-year production run, ending in the late 1950s. However, many of these aircraft continued to fly in various capacities until well into the 1980s. There are even reports of two Constellations in flyable condition today.

Challenges and Accidents

While the Constellation was a marvel of engineering, its long-haul L-1049 and -1649 models faced challenges, including engine problems. Despite these issues, the Constellation had a high survival rate for accidents, with many passengers making it to safety. This was particularly notable during its peak years in the 1950s and 1960s.

According to the Aviation Safety Network and the ASN Aviation Safety Database, over 300 Constellations were built and sold to airlines. Many more were constructed for military use, contributing to its popularity and widespread use.

Preserving the Legacy

Today, you can see a Constellation on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, among other sites around the world. These aircraft serve as a reminder of an era when air travel was both a luxury and a groundbreaking achievement. Visitors to these museums can experience firsthand the majesty and heritage of this iconic aircraft.

Conclusion

The TWA Constellation and its sister models, the Lockheed Constellations, were not just aircraft; they were symbols of a time when aviation was still in its golden age. Their performance figures may not match today's modern jets, but their impact on the industry and their iconic status are undeniable. As we continue to innovate in air travel, it's important to pay homage to these legends that paved the way for future generations of pilots and passengers.