A documentary about the history of U.S. early airlines and the history of the beloved Lockheed "Connie" Constellation.
Commercial airlines initially struggled to get off the ground, but with help from the government, which awarded airlines contracts to deliver the mail, they soon began to flourish. Despite the Great Depression, air transportation experienced phenomenal growth and change from the late 1920s through the 1930s before U.S. entry into World War II intervened.
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a captivating journey through the "Golden Age of American Air Travel." This documentary delves deep into the era when propeller-driven airliners like the iconic Lockheed Constellation and the majestic Boeing Stratocruiser ruled the skies, transforming the way people traveled and connecting the world like never before.
Elegance and Innovation Take Flight:
We'll explore the groundbreaking designs and technological advancements that defined these magnificent aircraft. Witness the sleek lines and powerful engines of the Constellation, nicknamed the "Connie," as it soared across continents with unprecedented speed and comfort. Marvel at the luxurious interiors of the Stratocruiser, complete with spacious cabins, sleeper berths, and even onboard cocktail lounges.
Pioneers of the Skies:
Meet the visionary engineers, daring pilots, and glamorous flight attendants who made this era possible. Learn about the challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the triumphs they achieved as they pushed the boundaries of aviation and ushered in a new era of air travel.
A World Transformed:
Discover how the advent of these airliners revolutionized the way people experienced the world. From transatlantic crossings to exotic destinations, air travel became accessible to a wider audience, fostering cultural exchange and global connectivity. We'll delve into the social and cultural impact of this transformative era, exploring how it shaped the world we live in today.
Rare Footage and Expert Insights:
Through rare archival footage, stunning aerial photography, and interviews with aviation historians and experts, we'll bring this golden age to life. Relive the excitement and glamour of air travel in the 1940s and 1950s, as we explore the legacy of these iconic aircraft and their enduring impact on the world of aviation.
General characteristics
Crew: 5 flight crew, varying cabin crew
Capacity: typically 62–95 passengers (109 in high-density configuration) / 18,300 lb (8,301 kg) payload
Length: 116 ft 2 in (35.41 m)
Wingspan: 126 ft 2 in (38.46 m)
Height: 24 ft 9 in (7.54 m)
Wing area: 1,654 sq ft (153.7 m2)
Aspect ratio: 9.17
Airfoil: root: NACA 23018; tip: NACA 4412
Empty weight: 79,700 lb (36,151 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 137,500 lb (62,369 kg)
Zero-lift drag coefficient: CD,0 = 0.0211
Drag area: 34.82 sq ft (3.235 m2)
Powerplant: 4 × Wright R-3350-DA3 Duplex-Cyclone 18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 3,250 hp (2,420 kW) each
Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed propellers
Performance
Maximum speed: 377 mph (607 km/h, 328 kn)
Cruise speed: 340 mph (550 km/h, 300 kn) at 22,600 ft (6,888 m)
Stall speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
Range: 5,400 mi (8,700 km, 4,700 nmi)
Service ceiling: 24,000 ft (7,300 m)
Rate of climb: 1,620 ft/min (8.2 m/s)
Lift-to-drag: 16
Wing loading: 87.7 lb/sq ft (428 kg/m2)
Power/mass: 0.094 hp/lb (0.155 kW/kg)
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