Prompted by a request from Howard Hughes (and TWA) in 1939, Lockheed's
team broke the mold of early airliner design with the Constellation. A
real head turner, the 'Connie' raised the bar in performance, economy
and passenger comfort. However, the relationship with TWA and Hughes
limited Lockheed's sales to other airliners, and as a result, profits
suffered. Although sales outside the US were better, with the
Constellation proving popular in South America and Europe, the
post-World War Two market was still not as buoyant as hoped. With sales
looking grim, Lockheed found a new supporter - the US military. The
military's enthusiasm for the development of the Connie in turn
benefitted civilian airlines as well, with the Super Constellation and
Starliner variants, the latter of which failed to make a large
impression as the world started to turn towards jet power. With the
arrival of the jet, Constellations were replaced by major operators,
although a number did remain in passenger service until the late 1960s
(the last passenger flight took place in 1978 in the Dominican
Republic). This highly illustrated book tracks the Constellation from
its inception through to its retirement from service, showcasing why it
was so special. This is a new edition of Aeroplane Classic Airliner
Constellation.
