The Lockheed Constellation was a four-engine propeller-driven aircraft built by the US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed.
Development of the Lockheed Constellation began in 1939. The aircraft was developed at the behest of Howard Hughes, an eccentric millionaire and aviator who at the time held a majority stake in the airline TWA. Hughes wanted a four-engine aircraft with which he could beat all competitors. World War II threw a spanner in the works. Military production took priority, delaying the development of the new aircraft. The first Constellation, soon affectionately called Connie, made its first test flight on 9 January 1943.
The Constellation was further developed in the years after the war. First there was the Constellation, later the Super Constellation and then the Starliner. The fuselage became longer, the engines more powerful, more fuel tanks were added, increasing the flying range, and the aircraft became quieter and safer.
Kris Christiaens is a professional aviation photographer who always tries to portray the power, manoeuvrability and history of aircraft and helicopters in the most original and impressive way possible... Read more…