Lockheed Constellation...and derivatives Ideas and Inspiration

[GTX_Admin]

Found on Facebook.

Artist: David Holmes
Group: The Greatest Planes That Never Were
Text: The early Constellation shared many design features with the Lockheed Lightning

That needs to be built.

[apophenia]

Love these! That "deep snow conditions" Connie should've been in TCA markings though. Just sayin' ... 

[finsrin]

           

Yes - needs to be on someone's build list.

[Geoff]

Rear freight ramp for airdrops and LAPES?

[GTX_Admin]

Rear freight ramp for airdrops and LAPES?

I was thinking more of perspex cone for viewing lounge.

[elmayerle]

Rear freight ramp for airdrops and LAPES?

I was thinking more of perspex cone for viewing lounge.

For the airliner version, no doubt.  I could see the cargo version with either a rear freight ramp and/or clam shell doors.

[The Big Gimper]

Via tsrjoe.  Also Special Projects Forum.

Lockheed Model L-255, In 1953 CALAC proposed to the RCAF a modified Constellation 1049D for maritime recon. The Connie airframe was modified with a nose-mounted 20-mm gun turret, increased cockpit windows, added search radar, added external pod for gunner, stores, radar and camera, added MAD tail and added wing rockets and missiles provisions. Internal changes would be minor except as necessary for the new equipment.

Performance would have been a bit less than the Model 1049D due to the added protuberances creating additional drag. The idea was to have turboprop power plants to restore performance levels. (Note: which would have reduced range)

Retractable dorsal turret visible on the forward fuselage in the side view

[kitnut617]

Cor!  that's as good as the Douglas MPR-10 found in Nimrod's Genesis

[finsrin]

AAAH,,,  that's what to do with one of stash Constellations !

[elmayerle]

What if the R3350 had more development problems and the US Military went with the V3420 (as on the XB-39) instead.  Consider both a Constellation and a B-30 derivative with that engine change.

Too, a XB-30 development with the turboprop engine fit tested on the R7V-2.

[GTX_Admin]

What if the R3350 had more development problems and the US Military went with the V3420 (as on the XB-39) instead.  Consider both a Constellation and a B-30 derivative with that engine change.

Might be a bit underpowered

[elmayerle]

What if the R3350 had more development problems and the US Military went with the V3420 (as on the XB-39) instead.  Consider both a Constellation and a B-30 derivative with that engine change.

Might be a bit underpowered

I don't believe the V3420 was below the R3350 in power ratings.  I just checked, until you get well into the postwar years, they are quite matched in power and I suspect the V3420 had room for growth had it ever been needed,  There is a conversion out there in 1/72 for the XB-39, it's tempting to fit one to a kit of an early Constellation.