LOCKHEED L-1049G
SUPER CONSTELLATION

1961 saw the procurement of nine ex-Air India Lockeeed Super Constellations by the IAF. These Super Connies were the late model L-1049G and they replaced the B-24s in the maritime recce role with the IAF. The 'G' model had extra fuel capacity, although in practice they seldom carried wing tip fuel tanks. The seven unarmed MR (Maritime Recce) Connies and two freighters equipped with 'A' Flight of No.6 Dragons Squadron flew out of Lohegaon AFB, Poona.

In the 1965 and 1971 conflicts they proved invaluable in airlifting troops and materials to all areas of battle and for continuous maritime patrol duty. They served with the IAF until the transfer all MR assets to the Indian Navy in 1976. They were handed over to the Indian Naval Air Arm, under unit INAS 312, which-now flies the Tu-142 Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft.

To an entire generation of transport pilots - the Super Connie was it! It was the heaviest plane flown by the Indian Air Force (till the IL-76 came along). In many ways it was much more sophisticated than the AN-12. Fully hydraulic boosted controls, fully pressurized and fully reversing props. Their avionics were the best in the IAF. The Navy only got 5 of the MR versions and the 2 freighters served as part of No. 6 Squadron till 1989.

The color scheme was very attractive - gray metal below with a blue band across the windows and white upper body. They had a light gray nose section on the cockpit with a black tip for the radar. The wing leading edge and the three rudders had black pinstriped lining. Each of the rudders had an Indian flag and there was a big roundel on each side near the rear passenger door.

The "IAF" legend was on the mid section of the top fuselage. A big No.6 Dragon Squadron insignia was just below the cockpit. There was an ASV-21 retractable dustbin radar antenna, and long VHF wire antennas on the MR configured ones. The codes were "BG" codes - "BG 579" squadron code D, was one of the freighters.

All 5 of the Navy Connies are at Goa naval air base (INS Hansa) out in the open. One of the freighter Connies is being preserved for the IAF Museum - the other is still in Pune. There is a Connie preserved at Santa Cruz airport near the Simulator complex of Air India.

Speed: 595 km/h (370 mph)

Range: 7432 km (4620 miles)

Payload: 12,430 kg

Copyright © BHARAT RAKSHAK. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of BHARAT RAKSHAK is prohibited.