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Constellation

The Lockheed Constellation was designed in 1943 by Kelly Johnson of Lockheed, who would go on to design other Cold War aircraft. Constellations were characterized by a triple tail and a sleek distinctive fuselage. Constellation DVDs show takeoffs, landings, and interior shots of this amazing aircraft.

The Lockheed Constellation marked a new era in aviation through its exceptional speed and groundbreaking design. Unlike its competitors, such as the Douglas DC-3 and DC-4, the Constellation was crafted to soar above the competition with unrivaled performance and comfort. It was a symbol of aviation elegance that was hailed as the "most beautiful Lockheed Constellation" in terms of its styling.

With World War 2 raging, the first prototype was the C-69 Constellation which first flew in early 1943. Production of the C-69 for the US Army Air Forces started shortly thereafter and 22 C-69s were built. They were used mainly as fast troop transport aircraft.

Soaring Above with Speed and Efficiency - One of the Constellation's most defining features was its remarkable top speed of 350 mph, making it faster than most fighter planes used during World War II. This was also a significant improvement over the DC-3 and DC-4. While the DC-3 and DC-4 were invaluable in their own right, mainly operating at lower altitudes, the Constellation thrived at high altitudes. Equipped with a pressurized cabin designed to comfortably 44 passengers, it flew over 20,000 feet—clearing common weather disturbances that hindered other airliners. This altitude advantage allowed it to harness the power of the jet stream, offering passengers a smoother and faster journey.

During the postwar years, the Constellation was used as an airliner, with TWA receiving the first production models in December 1945. TWA started transatlantic service from New York to Paris in February 1946 and leveraged the Constellation's capabilities to surpass Pan Am as the leading carrier on routes to major European destinations. Despite the 15 to 16-hour journey to Paris — which included essential refueling stops in Gander, Newfoundland, and Shannon, Ireland — the Constellation was considered fast for its time. This efficiency attracted passengers, eager to pay premium prices (roughly $9240 in present-day value) for the convenience and novelty of transatlantic air travel. Other major operators of the Constellation included Eastern Air Lines, Pan Am, Air France, BOAC and others. The introduction of new jets such as the Boeing 707 made the Constellation obsolete for flying long overseas routes. However, Constellations were still used for domestic and cargo flights until finally retired in 1967.

Design Innovations for Enhanced Comfort - The design of the Constellation provided a level of comfort that competitors struggled to match. Its pressurized environment not only improved passenger experience by avoiding turbulence but also expanded its operational range. Whereas the DC-3’s unpressurized cabin limited its altitude and made it vulnerable to the ‘air sick zone,’ the Constellation provided a refined flying experience unmatched during its time. The Lockheed Constellation also introduced the first-ever hydraulically boosted power controls, providing pilots with enhanced control of the ailerons, rudder and elevators which enable the airplane to bank, turn and ascend/descend.

Strategic Market Positioning - The exclusivity and innovation of the Constellation made it a game-changer. Reserved for a specific airline initially, it allowed this carrier to dominate the market with a plane others could only admire. As demand for fast, comfortable, and long-range travel increased, the Constellation met these needs effectively, relegating older models like the DC-3 to history and outpacing the DC-4.By combining speed, range, and state-of-the-art design, the Lockheed Constellation not only set new benchmarks but also reshaped the competitive landscape of aviation in the mid-20th century.

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    Lockheed L-1049 C-69 C-121 Constellation DVD
    Campbell Films
    This DVD is a collection of five films on the Lockheed L-1049 Constellation airliner, C-69 military AWAC and C-121 military transport. First flown in 1943, the Constellation was a propeller-driven four engine airliner with sleek and powerful styling.
    $19.95
    Letter from a TWA Airline Pilot - Constellation DVD
    Rare Aviation

    Filmed in the early 1950s, "Letter from a TWA Airline Pilot" is a behind-the-scenes look at early TWA airline operations as Captain Pete Martin and his crew fly passengers across the United States. Special emphasis on Kansas City and New York.

    $29.95
    Connie Close Up DVD
    Highball Productions
    "Connie Close Up" DVD video takes you on the flightdeck of not one but two Lockheed Constellations which many consider the most graceful propeller-driven airplane ever built.
    $19.95
    Constellation Collection Volume 1 DVD
    Rare Aviation
    Constellation Collection Volume 1 DVD video contains two films that cover the the design and testing of the Constellation as well as the operational use of the airplane by TWA.
    $29.95
    Commercial Aviation Movies Volume 2 DVD
    Rare Aviation

    This DVD contains three separate movies featuring United Airlines, TWA and American Airlines in the late 1940s to early 1960s. Aircraft covered include a DC-3, a Constellation, and a B707.

    $29.95
    Classic Airliner Collection No 2 DVD
    Avion
    Our second collection of classic airliners has some wonderful big props and early jets, from various location worldwide: Dakotas, Ambassador, Wayfarer, Comet, Britannia, VC10, Vertol 107, DC-4,DC-3, and much more...
    $29.95
    Classic Airliner Collection No 3 DVD
    Avion
    Our third collection of classic airliners has a distinctly American theme, with visits to nine US airports, catching some wonderful aircraft at work including: Stratocuiser, DC-4, DC6B, 707, Viscount,Convair 880, Constellation, DC-3, CV580, Caravelle, Fiat 212, 747-100, 727 and more...
    $29.95
    Classic Airliner Collection No 4 DVD
    Avion
    Our third collection of classic airliners has a distinctly American theme, with visits to nine US airports, catching some wonderful aircraft at work including: Stratocuiser, DC-4, DC6B, 707, Viscount,Convair 880, Constellation, DC-3, CV580, Caravelle, Fiat 212, 747-100, 727 and more...
    $29.95
    Big Props Miami 70s 80s DVD
    Avion
    Miami Airport in the 70s and 80s was the place to see large numbers of big propliners hard at work for exotic operators serving the Caribbean Islands and Latin America. In this video, see DC3s, DC6s, DC7s, C46s, C97, Martin 404s, Electras, CL44s, Super Constellations and more!
    $29.95
    Gatwick Airport from the 1960s to the 1970s DVD
    Avion
    This Gatwick Airport DVD goes back to the 1960s and 1970s with a fascinating look at this airport. See DC4, Constellation, DC7CF and Britannias. Plus CL44, Ambassadors, DC3, Caravel, DC8, DC7Cs, DC6Bs, CV99 and lots of 707s and DC-8s. See spectator terraces, ramps, beside the taxiways and more.
    $29.95
    London Airport Heathrow in the 1940s and 1970s DVD
    Avion
    This DVD brings back the excitement of London's Heathrow Airport during the 1950s and 1960s in full color and with authentic sound throughout. See big props including Stratocruisers, DC6, DC-7, and Super Constellation aircraft.
    $29.95
    Air Atlantique - Connie DC-3 DC-6 Convair (2) DVDs
    Avion
    These two DVDs cover the Coventry Airshow, featuring vintage aircraft: DC-3, DC-6, Electras, Convair 440. And "Super Connie Rescue" chronicles the flight of an ex-Aerochago Super Constellation to Avra Valley, Arizona for restoration.
    $29.95
    Independent Airlines 1950s DVD
    Avion
    Independent Airlines from the 50s to the 80s brings you the best of airliners from Britain, Belgium, and Edmonton, Canada spanning the period from the 1950s to the 1980s. There is a sequence covering air ferries which used Bristol Superfreighters and Carvairs to fly cars across the English Channel!
    $29.95
    London Airport Heathrow in the 1950s and 1960s DVD
    Avion
    This DVD brings back the excitement of London's Heathrow Airport during the 1950s and 1960s in full color and with authentic sound throughout. See big props including Stratocruisers, DC6, DC-7, and Super Constellation aircraft.
    $29.95
    Gatwick Airport 1960s to 1980s DVD
    Avion
    This new DVD recreates the sights and sounds of Gatwick, from as far back as 1959 right up to the late eighties. Gatwick was always a favorite place for airliner enthusiasts. See early propliners, early jets, and early wide-bodies at Gatwick.
    $29.95
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