Lockheed Super Constellation (HB-RSC review)

Since I'm sick and can't get to the airport, I'm posting special videos to fill in the gaps.

I've been asked repeatedly if I could show videos of the Breitling Super Constellation. I had a few videos on the channel, but they were already old.

Probably the most special aircraft ever stationed in Basel was the Lockheed L-1049F-55 Super Constellation HB-RSC. One of only two airworthy Super Constellations, HB-RSC was redeemed in Switzerland in 2007. The Super Constellation was a further development of the Lockheed L-049 Constellation and was produced from 1951 to 1958. Its range was approximately 6,400 km at a cruising speed of 480 km/h, making it a popular and luxurious long-haul aircraft. One problem, however, were their engines. The Wright Cyclone 18-cylinder radial engines broke down very often, and the competition from the Douglas DC-6 and DC-7 was too fierce, so that the Super Constellation was a beautiful but relatively unsuccessful aircraft. The Super Constellation was used more often as a military transport than as an airliner. The HB-RSC was also a former military transport. The C-121C, as the L-1049F is correctly called, flew sightseeing flights from Basel and was booked for air shows all over Europe. As can be seen in the photos, the aircraft was treated very carefully; when unnecessary, heavy braking and the use of thrust reverser were avoided. I was a little worried when the Super Connie carried out sightseeing flights in Spayer on the short runway of just 1,400 m (usable length), because I knew that this aircraft was not designed for such missions. During a braking test after maintenance in Zurich, which required an emergency stop, the landing gear caught fire. This brake test was supposedly necessary, but it was also clear that such braking is very critical for this aircraft. It was repaired and flew a few more times, but the costs to repair the severe corrosion could no longer be met. In 2018, it was dismantled and stored in a hangar in Bremgarten. There were repeated rumors that it had been sold, but nothing was heard of it again.

To date, however, it has not been deleted from the register; it is still registered as HB-RSC in the Swiss aircraft register since 2007.