Breitling Super Constellation

Europe’s only airworthy Lockheed Constellation looks poised to remain a firm fixture at events for many years to come. Bruce Hales-Dutton speaks to the team responsible for keeping this elegant airliner aloft

The Breitling Super Constellation appears at airshows and events across Europe.
René Eichenberger

In its day it was one of the most advanced airliners flying, with its muscular 3,000hp-plus turbo-compound engines, hydraulically boosted flying controls and swoopy, elegant profile.

But 65 years after the type’s first flight there’s only one Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation airworthy in Europe and it needs some extra-special care to keep it flying.

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