March 2018
This weathered Constellation stares off into the Arizona sunset. First flown in 1943, the L-049 was the first model of the fabled Lockheed Constellation aircraft line and 74 were delivered to civil operators. These early models were used during the war as transports with the C-69 designation. When production ended in 1946 it was replaced by the improved L-649 and L-749 Constellation. Howard Hughes/Transcontinental & Western Air was the launch customer for the Connie, receiving their first one in November 1945. After a three year restoration effort by TWA volunteers, this restored aircraft was delivered to the Pima Air & Space Museum in 1980 and is the oldest surviving example. Nikon D500 w/18-200mm.