Lockheed L-749 Constellation

The Lockheed L-749 Constellation was the first Lockheed Constellation to cross the Atlantic Ocean regularly without stopping. Similar in appearance to the L-649, it had a larger fuel capacity, strengthened landing gear and eventually weather radar. Lockheed unveiled it in early 1947 as a derivative of the L-649 with extra fuel tanks adding 1,000 statute miles of range, and jet stacks that raised speed by 15 miles per hour at the price of more noise. It first flew on 14 March 1947 and was certified that month, and the first was delivered to Air France on 18 April 1947, followed by orders from TWA, KLM and others. A large order from the United States Air Force for ten L-749A aircraft, designated C-121, saved the Constellation program from cancellation, and the last of TWA's 26 L-749A aircraft were not retired until 1967.