The Lockheed
Constellations are one of the most easily recognizable
cargo/airliner aircraft. The tri-tail and sleek fuselage
design make the "Connie" one of the prettiest old propliners.
They were originally designed for TWA during WWII, but were
taken by the USAAF for transport duties. After the war, over
800 Constellations were in use by airlines worldwide. There
are three Connies at the Pima Air and Space Museum of
different variants.
Lockheed L-049 Constellation in TWA "Star of Switzerland" color.
This is the C-121A Constellation behind the helicopter. This is based on the L-749. The C-121s were bought for personal transports for generals and Presidents. President Eisenhower had one as the SHAPE commander and later had a VC-121 as President.
Another angle of the C-121 Constellation of the 7167th Special Air Missions Squadron at Wiesbaden Germany.
The nose landing gear and antennas on the C-121 Constellation
Lockheed EC-121T Warning Star. Based on the L-1049 Super Constellation, the EC-121 was the first AWACs aircraft and was the first aircraft to use airborne RADRA to control the interception of an enemy aircraft.
EC-121 lower RADAR array. This would normally be under the radome on the lower fuselage.
Closer view of the RADAR array.
Another angle of the RADAR array.