N1552V: Exploring the Legendary Lockheed L-749A Constellation

The Lockheed L-749A Constellation, affectionately known as "Connie," is an icon of aviation history, celebrated for its elegant design and groundbreaking contributions to both commercial and military aviation. Among the remarkable examples of this aircraft is N1552V, a historical plane whose legacy lives on through MotoArt’s preservation efforts. By salvaging its skin, MotoArt has created exclusive PlaneTags, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this legendary aircraft—keep reading to learn more about the Connie and how to get your own Lockheed L-749A Constellation PlaneTags!

What is the Lockheed L-749A Constellation? 

The Lockheed L-749A Constellation is a four-engine, propeller-driven aircraft renowned for its sleek design, triple-tail configuration, and pressurized cabin, which set new standards in aviation. Introduced in the late 1940s, it was designed for long-range commercial flights, connecting continents with unprecedented speed and luxury. In addition to serving as a flagship for airlines like TWA and Pan Am, the L-749A also saw use in military operations as a transport and reconnaissance aircraft, showcasing its versatility and innovation.

Lockheed Constellation: Development and Design

The Lockheed Constellation series was born out of a vision to create a fast, efficient, and luxurious aircraft capable of revolutionizing air travel. Designed in the early 1940s under the guidance of aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, who heavily influenced its specifications for TWA, the Constellation was a collaborative effort between Lockheed and aviation experts. Its development was accelerated by wartime demands, with the first models serving as military transport aircraft during World War II before transitioning into commercial service. The L-749A variant, introduced in 1947, represented a significant leap forward with enhanced range and performance, making it a cornerstone of postwar aviation.

The Lockheed Constellation’s design is as iconic as it is functional, characterized by its graceful curves and distinctive triple-tail configuration, which allowed it to fit into smaller hangars. Its pressurized cabin was a groundbreaking feature, enabling higher-altitude flights for smoother, faster, and more comfortable travel. The aircraft’s powerful Wright R-3350 engines delivered exceptional speed and range, making it one of the first airliners capable of non-stop transcontinental and transatlantic flights. The sleek, dolphin-shaped fuselage not only reduced drag but also gave the Constellation its unmistakable silhouette, earning it a reputation as one of the most elegant planes ever built.

The C-69: The Military Version of the Lockheed L-749A

The C-69 was the military counterpart to the Lockheed L-749A Constellation, developed during World War II to meet the U.S. Army Air Forces' need for a high-speed, long-range transport aircraft. Adapted from the commercial design, the C-69 featured modifications such as reinforced flooring, larger cargo doors, and the ability to accommodate troops, cargo, or medical evacuation missions. Initially intended to replace slower, less efficient transports like the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the C-69 was primarily used for transcontinental and transatlantic flights, delivering personnel and supplies faster than ever before. However, with the end of the war, only a handful of C-69s were produced before the focus shifted to civilian aviation. The military role of the C-69 was later succeeded by aircraft such as the Douglas C-54 Skymaster and the Lockheed C-121 Constellation, the latter an advanced military derivative of the Constellation series that continued its legacy into the postwar years.

Lockheed L-749A Constellation At A Glance

Lockheed L-749A Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Lockheed
• Type: L-749A Constellation
• Tail #: N1552V
• Crew: 6-8 (2x Pilots, 1x Radio Operator, 1x Engineer, 2x-4x Flight Attendants)
• Passengers: 72
• Wing Span: 123 ft 0 in
• Length: 94 ft 4 in
• Height: 22 ft 5 in 

 Lockheed L-749A Performance:

• Range: 4,995 mi
• Cruise Speed: 345 mph
• Ceiling: 24,100 ft
• Empty Weight: 56,590 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 107,000 lb
• Rate of Climb: 1,620 ft/min
• Engine: 4x Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone 

The Legacy and Impact of the Lockheed Constellation

The Lockheed Constellation left an indelible mark on aviation history, redefining what was possible for both commercial and military aircraft. During its era, the Constellation was a symbol of innovation and progress, offering faster speeds, longer ranges, and unmatched passenger comfort. It pioneered non-stop transcontinental and transatlantic flights, connecting distant parts of the world like never before and laying the foundation for the modern era of global air travel. Airlines such as TWA and Pan Am used the Constellation as a flagship aircraft, promoting luxury and efficiency that captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. Its versatility also extended to military applications, where it served as a vital transport and reconnaissance platform, further solidifying its place in aviation lore.

Spotlight on N1552V

Photo courtesy of Wing attack Plan R

Built as an L-749 and later converted to an upgraded L-749A in 1951, N1552V embodies the evolution and versatility of the Constellation series. Originally delivered to Air India, N1552V began its career connecting global destinations during the postwar boom in air travel. Over the years, it served with distinction for prestigious airlines such as Qantas and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) before joining Pacific/Western Airlines, in 1958. This Connie’s career reflects the golden age of aviation, shuttling passengers across continents and oceans with its characteristic speed, comfort, and elegance. On November 26, 1968, N1552V completed its final North American passenger flight and was retired the same day, closing a chapter on its illustrious service. But retirement has not marked the end of its story.

Western Airlines and the Lockheed L-749: Connecting the West

Western Airlines, one of the oldest names in American aviation, was founded in 1925 as Western Air Express, starting as a mail carrier before transitioning to passenger service. Rebranded as Western Airlines in 1941, the airline became a pioneer in connecting the western United States and beyond. In the late 1950s, Western added the Lockheed L-749 Constellation to its fleet, using this reliable aircraft to service long-haul routes across the western U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. The Connie’s range and performance allowed Western Airlines to expand its network, offering passengers a comfortable and efficient way to travel during the golden age of aviation.

Over the years, Western Airlines grew through strategic mergers and acquisitions, including its absorption of Pacific Northern Airlines in 1967, which further solidified its position in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Eventually, in 1987, Western Airlines merged with Delta Air Lines, marking the end of its independent operations but ensuring its legacy lived on as part of Delta’s extensive global network.

MotoArt Gets a Connie 

In 2024, the MotoArt team traveled outside of California to meet this Connie in person. Says MotoArt PlaneTags owner Dave Hall, "We found out about a possible Lockheed Constellation located in Kenai, Alaska. It was being offered for free, it was a derelict plane that was taking up space and needed to be removed as soon as possible. I knew immediately we needed to preserve this historic aircraft so it wasn’t scrapped for good! The Constellation is such an iconic aircraft, and the stories from it will live on forever."

The MotoArt team headed up to Alaska to acquire N1552V’s skin, preserving its legacy by crafting exclusive PlaneTags that allow aviation enthusiasts to own a piece of this remarkable aircraft. Through these PlaneTags, the spirit of N1552V lives on, connecting collectors to the history of one of the most iconic planes ever built.

Beyond its new life as PlaneTags, N1552V is also stepping into a unique role in the entertainment industry, under the creative hand of Scroggins Aviation. Its cockpit will be preserved and utilized in filmmaking, ensuring that its elegant lines and historic presence continue to inspire and captivate audiences on the silver screen. From its service with world-renowned airlines to its new story, N1552V remains a shining example of the Lockheed Constellation’s enduring impact on aviation and culture.

Lockheed L-749A Constellation PlaneTags

Lockheed Connie PlaneTags will be available beginning noon PST on January 9, 2025 at planetags.com. The limited edition series is numbered to 7,500 PlaneTags so secure yours quickly before they run out. 

Don’t miss your opportunity to own a piece of Lockheed history! Some of our other Lockheed PlaneTags have completely sold out - including the SR-71 Blackbird and the C-130A. Secure your Connie while you can.