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Model 49-46-10 Constellation Prototype NX25600
Lockheed Archives
Construction started 1940 and completed November 1942. Painted in USAAF camouflage with military star and civil test registration. First flight 9 January 1943 from Burbank, CA, with Edmund T. Allen and Milo Burcham at the controls, lasting 58 minutes.
Model 049S Super Constellation Prototype N67900
Lockheed Archives
Bought back by Lockheed for $100 000 on 1 May 1950 (Total Time 404 hrs) and registered NC25600. Converted to Super Constellation Prototype at Burbank during summer 1950. First flight 13 October 1950 with Jim White and Ray Meskimen at the controls.
This aircraft was used for various modifications during its life time:
Early 1951 new
Wright R3350-CA engine was fitted in no. 4 position, outboard 1951 stepped
roof cockpit installed Late 1951 first prototype R-3350 Turbo
Compound engine installed 1952 the aircraft was
fitted with two 600 US Gallon wing-tip tanks (in preparation for the turbo prop
development) 1952 R3350-CA was replaced by the updated CB
engine 1952 Aero-dynamic tests
for the Navy airborne early warning version Super Constellations 1953 DA-1 engines
installed and used as test bench to sort out the various problems with the
Turbo compound engines 1954 Allison YT-56 (for
the C-130 Hercules) was installed in the no. 4 position, c/n changed to 1961ST;
DA.-3 and EA-1 engines were fitted, the latter for the Model 1649 Starliner in
1956 1957 Allison 501 D13 was tested for the
Model188 Electra End 1957 "old 1961" was
withdrawn from use by Lockheed 1958 parts used for the rebuild of c/n 2513,
remains scrapped later
vertical stabilizers enlarged by 18 inches to improve directional
control