Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation

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LOCKHEED L-1049G SUPER CONSTELLATION

The Indian Navy's flirtation with large aircraft started with the induction of the Illyushin IL-38 maritime reconnaissance aircraft on the aftermath of the 1971 War. Maritime reconnaissance, till that point of time was the prerogative of the Indian Air Force, which used to operate the Lockheed L-1049G (affectionately called Super Connies) in the MR role with its No.6 Dragons Squadron. Prior to their military career, the Super Connies were with Air India flying the Trans-Atlantic routes. The IAF handed over the Super Connies to the Indian Navy in 1976 and on November 18th of the same year, INAS 312 Albatross was commissioned at INS Hansa in Dabolim, Goa with five aircraft. The aircraft were re-serialed IN-315 to IN-319 as their third identity. The aircraft were already quite old and were on their last legs. The maintenance support was provided by Air India technicians. Inevitably, albeit slowly, the converted airliners had to be withdrawn from active service, starting with IN tourist visitors to Goa have regularly witnessed on arrival IN-318 in November 1981 and ending with IN-317 on 20 December 1983. INAS 312, was put on a number-plate basis on 08 June 1984, to await new aircraft so that the Albatrosses could fly again. The aircraft that takes the distinction of being one of the largest giants to be preserved is the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation [IN-315] on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Dabolim, Goa. This aircraft survived a decade and a half of being grounded and lying unused at Dabolim before it was resurrected for its new life with the museum.