The L1649A Starliner was the outgrowth of the L1469/L1569 turboprop designs studied by Lockheed but never produced. Development of the L1649A began in May 1955 and was Lockheed's response to the long-range Douglas DC-7C that went into service in June 1956. The Starliner incorporated a new wing design, 3,400 hp –EA2 turbo compound engines, and a fuel capacity of 9,000 gallons giving it a range of over 5,000 miles. The prototype's first flight was on October 10, 1956, with TWA introducing the L1649A on its North Atlantic service on June 1, 1957. Sadly, this great aircraft was developed too late and was quickly overshadowed by the early jets, with only forty-four being produced. TWA was the largest operator with twenty-nine aircraft, with Lufthansa and Air France also taking delivery of new aircraft. Most were out of front-line passenger service at the beginning of the 60s, with a number being converted to freighters and many going to second-tier operators and travel clubs.
