THE most graceful fuselage ever designed to this day
@anonymousperson2110
4 жыл бұрын
The MQ-25's fuselage, from the side looks way better than the super constellation's fuselage. From the top, it's flush inlet is ugly as hell. i.ytimg.com/vi/oW9V5tIMGzQ/maxresdefault.jpg
@anonymike8280
3 жыл бұрын
@@anonymousperson2110 Get off your hobbyhorse. No one cares. The MQ-25 is an aerial refueling drone, not an historic transport.
@wlewisiii
Жыл бұрын
@@anonymike8280 The constellation was piss poor as a transport. It took Douglas to build those. They could waste the lockheeds for these roles but not the good transports.
@taureanlea3777
Жыл бұрын
And the only Super Constellation now flying is in Australia.
@dayetonlarson8477
Жыл бұрын
As kids when we flew in one on holidays - we heard them called "Camels"... Then as we looked at the models we were given - we thought it described the plane quite well.
@Polypropellor
9 жыл бұрын
When I was in 6th grade in Sacramento, Calif, (1959) my dad was a radio operator crew member on EC-121's flying out of McClellan AFB. These huge AC would fly directly over my school and our house on takeoff - they had to climb out very gradually because they were so heavily loaded with fuel, crew and electronics gear and the noise of those four huge engines operating at max power was ear shattering. The bright blue exhaust flames were fascinating. My mother would stand outside on the lawn and wave a red bath towel at dad as his plane would fly over...he always made a point of watching out one of the few portholes on the aircraft and said he always blew her a kiss as his plane flew over. They would fly out over the Pacific and get on station and orbit for hours watching for potential Russian AC. He would come home in the middle of the next night, just exhausted. Mom always had a hot meal ready for him, no matter what time he came in. These impressive ac were quite a thing to remember.
@WAL_DC-6B
9 жыл бұрын
I once heard a former TWA Constellation pilot refer to the U.S. Air Force and Navy C-121's with upper and lower radar domes as "flying drag."
@12291949cairo
9 жыл бұрын
I grew up on 'Connie's'...My Dad joined TWA as a young salesman working under Jack Frye in St. Louis and Kansas City. He was transferred to Cairo,Egypt in '49' as DSM of North Africa (District Sales Manager). I started flying at age 2 months and in 1958 was in the London Times as the youngest passenger with the most miles flown for my age. I have been on the DC-2, DC-3, Martin 404, and all of the Connie's raking up thousand of hours..My favorite plane was the L-749A. Perfect size before the 'Super G' came out. Travel back then was more intimate and polite and the food was great. Longest trip was from LON to Lax non stop over the N. Pole 21hrs seventeen minutes..Before movies or any electronic devises. Back then people knew how to have 'polite conversations' and their was in first class always an open bar and lots of magazines to read and pretty and knowledgeable Air Hostesses.
@WAL_DC-6B
9 жыл бұрын
nedarc Robert W. Rummel, an aerospace engineer employed at TWA for 18 years and a personal consultant to Howard Hughes (that's right, THE Howard Hughes - at one time the majority stock holder of TWA) remarks in his book "Howard Hughes and TWA", that the 749A Constellation was one of the best Connies ever produced. The other he liked was the 1049 Super "G" Constellation.
@12291949cairo
9 жыл бұрын
Hello Mr. Uscian, I remember seeing a photo of Howard Hughes (who my Dad knew and did not like) and Jack Frye in a publicity stunt with one of the first 049 series in I believe was 1943 as they flew across America in record braking speed in TWA colors, I think Tommy Tomlinson was also onboard. If you would like, tell me a little more about yourself...I was brought up on TWA and Connie's it is in my blood. My e-mail is nabuhasum@yahoo.com. If I do not hear from you .... Best of luck in whatever you do !
@MrGlinek8111
9 жыл бұрын
nedarc
@TheSirjohn2012
11 жыл бұрын
What a treat when you consider all the long hours of maintenance and sweat that went into keeping this plane alive and ready for action anytime and anywhere. All you men including the grounds crew deserve big rounds of applause for your tireless efforts.
@cofrbooboo
10 жыл бұрын
Connies are the most graceful airplanes ever to take wing. Even the radar bulge can't detract from the beauty.
@martinfarrell5778
Жыл бұрын
Could watch this all day..
@Koaslice191
11 жыл бұрын
Those R3350 turbo-compounds are temperamental beasts! And they sound better than any Harley!
@rubenbueno3926
3 жыл бұрын
R-3350 power unit 3.430 H P . X 4 .
@jetstream454
3 жыл бұрын
Wait they use turbos?
@juggsauce
Ай бұрын
Pretty cool that they made nearly as much power as the wasp major at just over half the size though
@gregchamberlain3276
10 жыл бұрын
I worked on these in 1970 and again 1972, in 1973 flew 12 hour missions up around North Vietnam out of Korat Thailand. Sure brings back old memories. Flew all over the world on these, the best flying aircraft ever built. wow do miss them. My best friend Ricky and I spent many hours on these. Graceful flying.
@af25985330
3 жыл бұрын
I was Flight Engineer with Collage Eye '67 & '68. I agree with your rating of Best Aircraft ever built.
@bryanhauschild4376
8 жыл бұрын
To me this is the most beautiful airplane made.
@terryofford4977
6 жыл бұрын
Absolutely, I still have photo's of a KLM Connie taken at Singapore's (then new Airport at Paya Lebar) 1956. Oh bot, the shape, lines were beautiful the mighty engines were music to my ears.
@styldsteel1
6 жыл бұрын
Nah..the DC-3/C-47 is.
@styldsteel1
6 жыл бұрын
Mmmmm, well actually it's a toss up.....I don't know if the award goes to the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, or the Lockheed L-1011 Tristar. My vote goes to the Tristar, by a tiny margin :-)
@ahmadtheaviationlover1937
4 жыл бұрын
It’s truly is a beauty of the skies!
@anonymousperson2110
4 жыл бұрын
@@styldsteel1 Narrow? Just the Tristar's S-duct should make it win, by a large margin.
@xgi36
11 жыл бұрын
Still the single most beautiful plane ever.. We flew these as Navy Airborne early warning aircraft from Midway over Adak AK and return . This was part of the NORAD early warning system in the late 50's.
@georgethomas9436
8 жыл бұрын
Worked on that very aircraft . Stationed at McClellan AFB California 1971-1972. Propeller and engine tech. Did several TDY'S to Koraht Thailand.
@johnshinal6369
8 жыл бұрын
Was she wearing painted on teeth in those days ? Heard a lot of the Korat AC did.
@af25985330
8 жыл бұрын
I've spent a few hours in that bird as Flight Engineer. The belching fire is normal. The engines started easier back in the 60's. Not bad for a 60+ year old aircraft. A real lady. Not AWACS, but for runner of the type. Correct mission name: Airborne Early Warning and Control, (EAW&C). Great Aircraft.
@PeterNGloor
8 жыл бұрын
+Chuck Light On our Connie startup seems pretty easy now with the engines in absolutely top shape. (SCFA)
@theoriginalbadbob
8 жыл бұрын
+Chuck Light Much higher octane gas back in the 50s/60s.
@af25985330
8 жыл бұрын
You are right, we used 115/145
@carivero
11 жыл бұрын
I flew in one of these marvels in 1952, with my family from Caracas to New York. I was 9 years old. I still have a short movie of the moments when we walked from the plane to the airport passenger areas. Next trip was in 1958, from Caracas to Madrid, using Azores and Lisboa as stepping stones. It was a 27 hours flight. I enjoyed the flight both ways! Great plane, impressive aerodynamics! Awesome moments of my life.
@brianevans656
2 жыл бұрын
In 1952, the version of Constellation you flew on was probably an early L-049 or an L-749, quite different in features, engines and performance than the C-121 Super Constellation in the video. Like comparing a DC-4 to a DC-7.
@joshs4594
7 жыл бұрын
I remember when Connies were still flying commercial routes. Those engines are like music.
@agedflier9129
7 жыл бұрын
An Orchestra in total harmony. A beauty to behold.
@ronreiskin71
8 жыл бұрын
I HAVE MANY COMBAT HOURS IN AN EC121SUPER CONNIE. I WAS CIM IN THE 553 RECON WING KNOWN AS THE "553 BATCAT WING." I WAS THERE IN 1969-1970. VERY HAPPY I VOLUNTEERED FOR THE MISSION!
@everyone5724
6 жыл бұрын
WHY ARE WE YELLING. YOU'RE SCARING THE CHILDREN. PLEASE USE YOUR INDOOR VOICE.
@af25985330
3 жыл бұрын
I have 66 combat missions on the D & T models, in the 552d at McClellan, almost went to Bat Cat in '69, but was medically grounded before I could leave.
@tinymonster9762
Жыл бұрын
When I was nine years old in 1968 I used to be thrilled to see the big four-engined planes very low over my town headed for Wethersfield Airbase. I remember being rather overexcited one afternoon when my friend and I, playing on the grass in front of his house saw a low flying four-engined plane trail a good deal of grey smoke briefly from a couple of engines. We ran inside to tell his older brother that “a plane was on fire and going to crash!” Sadly (for us) he explained that planes did that from time to time and no, there wasn’t going to be a crash. I can’t remember much about the planes other than they were silver, four-engined and going towards Wethersfield, so American. Connies perhaps? The huge treat for us back then as kids was to go to the big airshows at Wethersfield. It really was like another world, another universe compared to a rural Essex 60s town where the cattle market still ran in the town centre on a Wednesday.
@spwb2k
3 жыл бұрын
My late great Pop was a navigator aboard the 552nd's Triple Nickel Connie now on display at Wright Patterson AFB museum in Ohio. On his last day aboard before retirement in Nov. 1970, he signed and dated his initials inside the navigator's station desk. We emailed the museum about it a few years ago, and they sent back a picture of it. :)
@jonathancomeau9349
Жыл бұрын
I was in the 552nd 68 and 69, remember the triple nickel
@spwb2k
6 ай бұрын
@@jonathancomeau9349 awesome. we have whole boxes of his photos from that era i was a pre-school yoot while he was away.
@gm16v149
10 жыл бұрын
The guy must have a damn good camera with a damn good external mic because the sound is perfect !
@JannikBoRasmussen
8 жыл бұрын
Yes, for a Pratt & Whitney engine on a DC-6, I heard that each engine consumes about 4 litres of oil per hour. What a magnificent video - just the raw sound makes me shiver. Thanks for posting!
@wiltonmcniel1111
8 жыл бұрын
I was a navigational aids technician for the West Virginia Air National Guard on the C-121 Aircraft in Martinsburg, West Virginia. I love the aircraft and love seeing it fly again. Wilton McNiel
@GamePlayWithNolan
7 жыл бұрын
That sounds awesome!
@BloodhoundVX30
8 жыл бұрын
I had the privilege of filming air-to-air of this wonderful bird when we ferried her from Tucson AZ to KCMA back in March '95. This was the bird's second flight after the USAF mothballed her 1978. Jerry D. piloted chase in Wayne's C310R while I sat backward and handled the camera. Wayne (new owner of this "Connie" N548GF) and Frank flew the magnificent bird, with Jerry S. keepin' her purring from the FE seat. Chief mechanic Bob L. was instrumental in bringing this beautiful bird back to life, and the skies! The flight through the clouds at FL100 between San Jacinto and San Gorgornio peaks over the Banning Pass was absolutely spectacular! I have the original video around here somewhere. Truly a memorable experience. Those involved know who you are. Miss you guys! Thanks for posting your video. I live in Camarillo and wished I were there to see her off to Chino and Yanks. Keep her up, Yanks. 🙂👍 -Jay
@jimsweikata5571
3 жыл бұрын
We called them "Willy Victors" (WV-2) in the Navy, Big radar on top.
@clevlandblock
3 жыл бұрын
One of my earliest memories was my parents taking me on a Constellation flight in the early 50s. I remember hearing the name a lot along with enthusiasm by my parents. The other faded memory was the sound of the engines in flight.
@ernaniseddon5384
11 жыл бұрын
These engines sounds great, is like a simphony
@davef.2811
3 жыл бұрын
Quite. No other engine sounded like it. As applied to the DC-7 with the 4 blade props, it sounded even better.
@MrThemold
3 жыл бұрын
The sweet sound of those R-3350 turbo compound engines is music to my ears.
@rogersanford3740
9 жыл бұрын
Love the sound of those 3350's and the unmistakeable sound of those expander tube brakes. Loved that aircraft. Worked on them while attached to VQ-2 in Rota Spain.
@toddwebb6216
Жыл бұрын
The Connie was the most beautiful prop driven plane ever. thanks for the video.
@bbrut3332
8 жыл бұрын
I flew on this EC-121-D in 1964-5-6-7 as a radar technician, this AC was also deployed to Viet Nam for Operation Big Eye in support of US fighters against NVN migs.
@rickscott7350
5 жыл бұрын
Hundreds of hours as an Electronic Warfare Operator on the EC-121M the Navy Electron Surveillance version of this. Brought back a lot of long fond memories of in the air.
@craigpennington1251
2 жыл бұрын
No other sound like it. Used to be an everyday occurrence but no more. The drone of those big radials flying by at altitude leaving contrails. Glorious.
@Hooligan-F8F
Жыл бұрын
One of those sounds I miss. Would to go back...
@kengilmore2563
2 жыл бұрын
One of the most beautiful airplanes ever built.
@Phlymedicare
8 жыл бұрын
On February 20, 1972 I flew on a C-121 from Harrisburg, PA Middletown Airport to Lackland AFB on my way to basic training. It was an experience of a lifetime. Flew across country at a very low altitude was able to see everything in detail.
@Dan.d649
Жыл бұрын
This is old footage. I wonder if this Connie was restored. It is a wonderful airplane to look at weather it's flying or sitting on a ramp. She's a real beauty!!!!
@georgethomas9436
9 жыл бұрын
Brings back memories. 1972 at McClellan AFB as a propeller repairman. Spent many an island hopping to Wake island towards Koraht Thialand for 6 months TDY. Loved those days.
@redcowboy43
6 жыл бұрын
So glad to find this video. Brings back the memories from 1973-74 McClellan AFB duty. 963rd SQ. 552 Wing. I was radar operator and logged I forget how many hours flying time as some missions were like 10-12 hours long. Also remember almost having to jump out over the ocean during a winter night flight because of a fire. We were standing in line wanting for the six bells signal to jump. Somehow the Flt. Engineer saved the day.
@p51mustangflyer3
8 жыл бұрын
God I love the super Connie, I wish they were still flying everywhere
@Sandsculptor
2 жыл бұрын
When I was a kid in the 1950s, I can remember watching Super Connies flying into the Harrisburg, PA Airport, by TWA. Our home was on the flight line for landings when planes flew into our airport from the East. I had a few model airplanes on top of my dresser, and I had a model of the Super Connie draped across my bedroom walls near the ceiling. When I was 12 or so, I took my bike for a long ride from my home, to the airport. I didn't realize how far the airport was, but off I went for about a 4 mile ride on my 3 speed Schwinn bike. I was rewarded with one TWA Connie arriving and I watched it taxi right up to the Airport Terminal. The loud sounds of the four engines running was a surprise to me, and I'll never forget that summer afternoon back in the late 1950s... In late 1968 during the Vietnam War, I was at the Pleiku Air Base working as an Aircraft Parts & Supplies Tech Sergeant for the US Army and I got to see many USAF airplanes and jets landing at that Airbase. One day an EC-121 flew into our airport. I wasn't sure why he flew into that Airbase because they usually flew in from Saigon and/or Thailand. The airplane probably had a mechanical problem or just needed fuel, as our Airbase was near the Cambodian border, and that Ho Chi Minh Trail was nearby. But it was good to see that Connie flying in all "dressed up" with an Electronics twist to it's operational function at that time.
@EdWhisenantAviation
10 жыл бұрын
Great video, I took lots of pictures that day but no video, I'm so glad that you captured this incredible aircraft.
@larryrwendelljr4465
11 жыл бұрын
They did a nice restoration of AWACS plane of the 1950's & 1960's. When I was kid, living in Springfield Gardens, in Queens, New York, at the now JFK, but back then it was called Idlewyld Airport, us kids who we're bonkers over piston engines aircraft after school and the summertime, would spend a long day at the airport, it was within walking distance for us, and we went over the Military area at the airport, they had several of these aircraft parked out on the tarmac. They had USAF, USN. TY
@jeffdworkin915
5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful to see this beautiful old bird fly again. I was in the 79th AEW&C Group in the late '70s and flew missions on this plane several times.
@GJM-
11 жыл бұрын
The sound of the propellers is simply romantic and majestic.
@Nfarce
7 жыл бұрын
Best part of the video is when the people talking get quiet during the approaching overhead and being in awe of the sound. Welcome to a real time machine.
@timdowling9196
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this- flew in one of these (MATS version) to Hawaii as a child- 1958 (space available)- what a trip- all the sound and vibration- great to relive it-
@chuckcawthon3370
Жыл бұрын
Magnificence. What a symphony of engine sound.
@charleswagon3905
7 жыл бұрын
Hey Dan Medellin, THANKS SO MUCH for posting this Connie Vid. I didn't know one was flying. Where and when I grew up a, EC-121 Connie would go over our yard on final approach. It had a large dorsal and large belly blister. Years later I married a gal and her father was most likely on some of those flights doing R&D stuff (radar & mag sensing) for Naval Air Developement. Man did I grow up in a neat place, no wonder I became a pilot. Thanks again for thinking of others. Me and all the other very appreciative folks on here. The others... well let's hope they learn to appreciate what others give for free and may they also stop complaining and start enjoying what is given to them free:-).
@oldbuckeyeman
10 жыл бұрын
It is good to see the old girl again, I was Crew Chief on this plane for 3 years at McClellan AFB till 1976.
@drivennomad7889
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Tom, Rod E. here. LONG time no see, happy to see you pop up on here? Still in the Sacto area? Drop me a note if you'd like, rod.lastname@gmail. It's be great to hear from you!
@drivennomad7889
6 жыл бұрын
I was stationed at McClellan AFB, 552nd AEW&C, from 1971 - 1975 in Aircraft Maintenance. When I became a Crew Chief, this aircraft #548, was my bird for a period of time. I crew'd several other tail numbers as well, as the planes rotated in and out on TDY's to Iceland and Thailand. I did fly on one of these to Keflavik more than once, spent the coldest night of my life at Goose Bay, changing out #2 engine, and then staying with the plane all the following night while the flight crew slept, running up all 4 engines for a few minutes every hour to keep them warm enough to start and get us out of there in the morning. Also did a TDY to Korat RTAFB in 1972, just at the tail end of the action over there, and did jump on one mission over Thailand, just to say I did. Interesting times, heck of an interesting aircraft, good memories!! If this aircraft is still at Chino, I'll be dropping by soon to say hi to the old girl. She's not as pretty as she used to be, but oh, those curves are still there! -Rod Eggink
@diceportz7107
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to make and then post this.
@ahmadtheaviationlover1937
5 жыл бұрын
Listen to the sound of those engine.... music to my ears when taking off and in the air
@davejordan1854
11 жыл бұрын
I was a crew member 27650, radar operator, back in 1972 thru 1974 at McCellan AFB.
@evannotheaven
11 жыл бұрын
Yep! I remember many night flights out of Korat AFB, 1970-1971. U.S.A.F. Vet. 68-72. 301X4 Inertial Nav Tech. F-105 Wild Weasel,F-4C&D's, EB-66. What a sight to see when this beautiful aircraft flew at night! You could really see the exaust flames then. Being a son of a S.A.C dad at Carlwell A.F.B. in Fort Worth, Texas,living off base, only the mighty "big stick" B-36 shook me more!
@penelope0427
10 жыл бұрын
This aircraft is the most beautiful flying machine ever built.
@johnmorris008
8 жыл бұрын
I island hopped across the Pacific to Okinawa aboard one of these Supper Connies in 1962 ... What a flight !!!
@turbinator4532
Жыл бұрын
I worked 3rd shift in the 388th MMS maintenance area at Korat RTAFB just across the road from the 121 parking area in 1972 as a 20 year old A1C. We usually finished our buildups early and would climb the water tower to watch the pre-dawn startups and takeoffs. Always impressive with the blue exhaust flames. They always seemed to struggle for altitude though. Most beautiful transport aircraft ever built.
@dougkubash8673
7 жыл бұрын
What a awesome sound from those 4 big radials. You hardly ever hear that anymore!
@stephenpowell5912
9 жыл бұрын
This moved me to tears this as hearing was wow and then watching it where it belongs in the Air gave me Goosebumps.😪
@PeterNGloor
9 жыл бұрын
Stephen Powell Standing next to one on take-off, you can feel the sound in your ribcage....
@terryofford4977
6 жыл бұрын
She was the only other female in my early life, her shape and the engine sounds wow!
@MarsFKA
4 жыл бұрын
In early 1968 I was based at Burnham Military Camp, south of Christchurch (New Zealand). At the time an American Navy Squadron, Air Development Squadron 6, was based at McMurdo Sound in Antarctica and the Operation Deep Freeze headquarters at Christchurch Airport. The squadron flew a variety of aircraft, including Constellations and one morning, while we were on Battalion Parade, one of the Constellations flew low over the camp. The noise was colossal and everyone on parade looked up, including all the officers and Regimental Sergeant Major Pope, who was taking the parade. He had a voice that could be heard over just about any other noise, but even he had to wait until this tremendous racket had departed. As the aircraft receded into the distance RSM Pope reminded us in great detail, and volume, that we were at attention on parade and that meant eyes front and no looking around, no matter what was flying overhead. Just to make sure that we got the message, he kept us on parade for another half-hour and the god of our choice help anyone who even blinked.
@michaelrawitz
4 жыл бұрын
Back in 1951, the PanAm Clipper Golden Fleece flew us from Munich to Hong Kong over a period of three days. It was a flight I will never forget.
@wholeNwon
4 жыл бұрын
Lucky man.
@BGFutureBG
7 жыл бұрын
The rich mixture fire exhaust is just so unique for this plane, I love it!
@ervinthompson6598
Жыл бұрын
May have been slightly overprimed.
@ChairmanAl01
8 жыл бұрын
I used to see this plane parked at the airport on my daily commute from Oxnard to Newbury Park. So glad to see it flying again.
@bayviewherb
9 жыл бұрын
Many years ago I worked on C-121C's, the passenger and cargo versions of the Connie. 1957-58 Morocco. The were stationed at Charleston Air Force base in south Carolina and flew though Nuasseur Air Base in Morocco where I was stationed.
@FitzArias
7 ай бұрын
This is the top in propliner design. From a time that happened before most of us were even born. Respect to those who travelled all over the world in these machines.
@nightlightabcd
10 жыл бұрын
The Connie was always my favorite prop passenger plane. I think it was the most graceful looking prop plane ever. I have seen the Connie's in the US air force that had the circular radar dome on the top, the forerunner of todays traffic control planes but I hadn't seen one with the under the belly dome before. I guess it must be some sort of radar.
@whfowle
2 жыл бұрын
My brother's last assignment was at McClellan AFB as the line chief for the EC-121's. He retired in 1974. He really loved working on the receps and never moved to the jets his entire 28 year career.
@NickRatnieks
8 жыл бұрын
No plane is more redolent of cool style than the Constellation -it just sums up the days of sophisticated airline travel more than any other. When I was a kid we would lie out on the grass and watch upwards at all the types of planes coming in to Land at Heathrow- or coming out of there and the Constellation was so identifiable. Even a military C121 has that classy look.
@2008bikey
10 жыл бұрын
Dig the "wet-start" on the #4 engine, as the R-3350 Compounds roar to life. Beautiful old bird.
@rickloduca394
3 жыл бұрын
I grew up in Sacramento in the 50's as well and fondly remember watching these aircraft flying over. The flying boxcars too! Awesome!
@STEVEHARLEY1956
11 жыл бұрын
Just love The Constellation....great upload.
@jeffingram9916
6 жыл бұрын
I was a radar operator in the back of the EC-121 from 1960 until April 1963. I was in VW-11 in Newfoundland and Iceland. We flew 12 hour flights between Iceland and Greenland and between Iceland and the Faroe Islands north of Scotland. I served when it wasn't dangerous prior to Vietnam. Some of the most interesting years of my life. You never forget those times. I used to have a log book with all of the EC-121s I flew in and I flew in a bunch in Hawaii and Newfoundland. Wish I still had the book as a half dozen or so are in air museums and it would be interesting to see if I flew in one of the remaining aircraft.
@joepacheco4038
2 жыл бұрын
Was there 63/64 VW13 spent most of the time in Iceland ( TAD ) Remember the Grey Ghost. Was on flight to check out Sursey day after eruption . Also remember the fish camp r&r, pet rocks, endless bites and days. Great chow , Brenavin, and pyramid shape milk carton lol
@domino8915
11 жыл бұрын
Our squadron flew these out of Atsugi, Japan......the EC-121 that was shot down by North Korea in '68, was from our squadron.....VQ-1.
@johntyson7633
Жыл бұрын
I too was stationed at Otis AFB from 1962-64. But I was with the 26th ADMS, (Bomarc). I took the big Connies for granted, becaue back then, everything had propellers on them. I loved the summers, but hated the winters. We used to say they shouls have given us overseas pay every time we crossed the Buzzard's bay bridge.
@markburdick6989
6 жыл бұрын
I was part of the crew that got her ready to fly. Four R-3350 round engines are a beautiful sound and make a tremendous amount of power. Would love to see her fly again. Come on Yanks! Make it happen!
@billhall4186
6 жыл бұрын
Mark Burdick â
@joyceknepper366
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely the most beautiful aircraft to fly the sky’s. I have very fond memories of flying in Connie’s.
@tbamagic
2 жыл бұрын
Good video....except for the overly loud comments on take off! Listen to the PLANE!
@bob39434
4 жыл бұрын
As a young airman fueler (POL) stationed at McGuire AFB NJ in the late 70's, I delivered grade 115/145 avgas to RC and EC121's on several occasions. The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard still actively flew recip engines aircraft back then, and we had an old hydrant fueling system pump house configured to store 115/145 and fill refueling trucks with the fragrant purple fuel.
@greyjay8744
4 жыл бұрын
Back in the late 1950's, on a night flight from D.C. to New York in An Eastern Airlines Super Connie, I remember looking out my window and seeing those exhaust flames coming out of #2 engine. Quite dramatic. My favorite flights though, were on Northeast Airlines DC-3's, from Boston to Keene, N.H., and on United Airlines DC-3's, from Salt Lake to Elko.
@jamesfrushfrush8307
7 жыл бұрын
In 1955 through 1957 I was in VR7 we flew and worked on the Super Connie
@bengonzalez5739
5 жыл бұрын
I was in the USAF worked on EC-121 in Otis AFB, McClellan AFB, Korat Thailand in 1969, 1970, and 1971.
@16denier
9 жыл бұрын
My first flight on an airplane was in April 1960 on an Eastern Airlines "Super C" Constellation, Pittsburgh to Miami. Seeing that beautiful thing take off brought back a lot of memories. Even though I was eight, we knew even then that the Connie's days were numbered. Any airline that had them advertised their jets.Pittsburgh was lengthening its runways for them, but already at least one pilot was capable of landing a 707 there as I saw one parked on the ramp before my flight.
@egalloway8195
9 жыл бұрын
I was also in Sacramento 1969ish. My Dad flew these. He always loved his crew and knew them to be people he needed to do his job. Did surveillenance off the coast of Florida. Sounds which send me reeling into just beautiful nothing-ness are small planes taking off!
@barryklinedinst6233
4 жыл бұрын
My father flew in the ec121 at the 193rd sog in highspie pa. The old bird flew over our house while they were training . I will always have a special place in my heart for those beautiful old birds
@granskare
9 жыл бұрын
In 1957 I was a passenger on a C121 to Europe...we stopped at the Azores, and had lunch and then took off but something was not right so we dropped a lot of fuel and returned to Lajes...we finally were up and bound for Wheelus AB in Libya...a great scene looking down to the blue of the Med...a ship was sailing east....a great scene for a kid who had never been out of the states :)
@PxychoHD
6 жыл бұрын
At 8:15 I get chills every time I watch that. Those engines sound AMAZING.
@AccessAir
12 жыл бұрын
That after takeoff flyby sounded so spooky....It was a very haunting sound that gave me chills...It made me want to go back in time to hear that kind of thing over and over....
@dayetonlarson8477
Жыл бұрын
I remember flying in one of them when Dad would take us on holidays. The meals & service was awesome and they gave us a small little model of the plane - which we loved (we would collect them)...I thought the stewardess were the most beautiful girls ever!!! LoL
@rodkeays8171
8 жыл бұрын
I remember being very impressed with these planes as a boy. Watching each engine smoke and cough into life, sometimes with fire, always a thrill. Jets cannot compare to this at all. Thanks for uploading.
@hughcapetien
8 жыл бұрын
In 1968 and 1969 while serving in the Air Force, these "Connies" were our eyes and ears based out of Korat, Thailand.
@stephendohrmann6242
7 жыл бұрын
Hugh Lusignan I was stationed at Clark AB/Philippines - 40th Aerovac Squadron - 1968-69. Our squadron flew C141 Starlifters. Great aircraft for in-flight troop medical care.
@davidvance6367
5 жыл бұрын
These planes came out 80 years ago
@TheSirjohn2012
10 жыл бұрын
Got to love the brief flame coming out all of these engines,and its simply the engineering design of the aircraft. Long ago and at one time these were airliners and then the military took stock into it. Sadly many of these gorgeous planes are in the Arizona boneyard today. The pima air museum in Arizona has a few preserved in the town there.
@williammondy4903
5 жыл бұрын
No1 Good Start... as long as you dont load up the cylnders and foul the plugs... Starting the Wright Compound R-3350 is an Art, The Days when FE's where part of the Flight Crew... The FE station on this Aircraft is a Dream Area, was always busy. Anyone reading this remember the Guage BMEP... Yep the Connie had this Guage !!! Also Very Important, These engines burned 115/145 Octane Deep Purple Gasoline... considering this Old Gal is using maybe 100 LL is testimony to the Crew great engine starting Skill !!!....6-7 Blades... Mag On ! Man those where the good ole days, When Human Hands where the direct connection with the Aeroplanes.
@scottgoodrich5825
6 жыл бұрын
I crewed on these out of Keflavik and Homestead. Crewed on this very aircraft from time to time.
@stilo398
8 жыл бұрын
Another "my Dad" story: mine flew Connies for EAL out of Logan Boston, along with Electras, DC-9s, 727s and finally as chief pilot, the L-1011 down to Quito, Ecuador. 35 yrs with Eastern, his career followed the wave in aviation; he was hired by Eddie Rickenbacher and gave Frank Borman a ride in his Delta 88. He was also the EAL rep to ALPA. He passed away in 2008.
@terryofford4977
6 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that,your Dad would have endless stories of these aircraft I'm sure, thanks for posting, it's a nice touch and a tribute too.
@davef.2811
3 жыл бұрын
Was his first name Lee?
@davef.2811
3 жыл бұрын
@@stylus2253 Thanks, wrong one.
@howardvanroy7210
4 жыл бұрын
Worked on the radar systems at McClellan from 70-73. Great aircraft!!!
@mikemulshine3583
5 жыл бұрын
Eastern Airlines ran a Shuttle Service from Newark (EWR) to Washington National Airport back in the 1960s... and I flew in the these Super Connies many times! This was a Classic Airplane... pre the Boeing 707s.
@sski
8 жыл бұрын
Great viddy! That backfire on #2 during the beginning of takeoff was pretty spectacular. Then it hit me during the overhead pass sequence... I haven't heard that sound, that gathering of cylinders en chorus, since I was a teen (Im 50 now). I lived along an approach to PHL so I heard and saw plenty of radial equipped aircraft in their twilight years coming in and out of there and surrounding airports. But hearing it is like seeing a ghost. Or for some people hearing a wolf or a train horn off in the distance. It carries more than its disturbance of air molecules. It carries character.
@ROCKSTARCRANE
11 жыл бұрын
dpohunter, you know how blessed you are for the privilege of flying the most beautiful aircraft ever built. This plane brings tears to my eyes....
@larrybailey5695
11 жыл бұрын
brutb11. I flew on 548,triple nickel(555) and many other EC-121D Connies in Vietnam,Thailand,Japan,Taiwan,Iceland and the West coast. I was stationed at McClellan AFB,963rd AEW&C Squadron,552nd Wing,USAF from 1968 to 1970. I still have my flight suits with the College Eye Task Force shoulder patches,etc. Semper Fi to all veterans and brothers and sisters in uniform around the world. Larry A. Bailey ( Sgt. radar operator,Vietnam Vet)
@rayford21
5 жыл бұрын
I was one of the radar techs that were the first batch of airmen sent to support the Viet Nam conflict. At that time it was known as Big Eye task force...I don't know whose idea the College Eye renaming came from or why it was renamed.
@bbrut3332
5 жыл бұрын
Larry it was a pleasure to hear from from another radar operator that flew on AC 548. I hope life has been kind to you and your family. May the Super Connie's continue to fly as well as they did when we flew them.
@bbrut3332
5 жыл бұрын
@@rayford21 rayford 21, I too was a radar tech at McClellan from 64 to 67 and then cross trained and ended up at Cheyenne Mt. My last year in the USAF..... I was a young skinny red head with glasses. Hope you may remember me. Fair winds and blue skies.
@maxsdad538
2 жыл бұрын
Bob P, Ssgt, radar/weapons tech. 963rd, and closed out the 79th. When 548 arrived at Yanks, I went to ACO2 and found one of my old cigars, still stowed on an electrical harness (Robert Burns Black Watch). I didn't smoke it. Looks like you were gone before I got to the 552nd, Larry but we sure walked the same trails.
@hughcapetien
7 жыл бұрын
When I was at Korat TAFB back in 1968-69, we supported these airplanes at the time. The USAF had the last of them. They were a marvel to watch land and takeoff.
@hughcapetien
7 жыл бұрын
Also wanted to add, that they performed "recon" for bombing attacks in N. Vietnam. We called them "Connies."
@colliecandle
10 жыл бұрын
I'm not much into airplanes, but this one has got to be the most graceful and attractive one EVER !
@FlyingWildAZ
10 жыл бұрын
roger that!
@davidwhardinglll3568
7 жыл бұрын
I too remember these "birds" over east Sacramento, (mc clellan afb. Nothing inspired me more. I miss those days. Thanks to all who rebirth her! "Sky" David Harding lll
@mastersonmethod4867
10 жыл бұрын
There was an old L1049 that sat on the tarmac at Camarillo for years, that my dad flew in the late '80's hauling fish from Palau to Japan for Winky. I'm wondering if it's this one they restored and reconfigured to an EC 121. Anyone know? Would be quite a coincidence to have two Connies at Camarillo in the same decade. My dad flew them in southeast asia for Flying Tiger Air Service in the '60's and later to the slope in Alaska for Interior. As a teenager I remember sitting in the jump seat looking out the window and watching that blue exhaust flame in the dark flying over the Brooks range. Amazing airplane, incredible video, and wonderful memories it brings back. Thanks Daniel Medellin!
@TheRowsons
10 жыл бұрын
No, the Wiknys fish Connie still exists just about in Manila. Was abandoned there
@buddymonica9576
10 жыл бұрын
no-this one came from Pima Museum-cranked up & flown after sitting for 17 or 18 years.It's the last EC-121T.
@hovermotion
10 жыл бұрын
A strange looking aircraft..... Looked like the pilot did not want to stress the engines to much on take off...great vid....
@CMVRWC
12 жыл бұрын
I stumbled on to this fabulious video in the wee hours on sleepless night. I got my AC Wings on the Willy EC121 while stationed in Rota, Spain with VQ2 back in 1973. We used to say that the Willy didn't take off so much as the world got pissed off and fell away. Our Navy birds did not have tiptanks when I flew patrols in them which I later learned was due to one falling off in flight, a comforting discovery. Brings back a flood of memories (Old VQ2 P31 & P32) Navy Spook CT Binder
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