Super Constellation Spits Fire On Takeoff

You’ll get fired up watching this Super Constellation’s exhaust flames as it takes off at twilight.

Flames on an airplane are usually the signal of impending doom. The combustion must remain internal and contained within the engines. But Lockheed’s Super Constellation, the L-1049, was a four-engine aircraft that became a major component in commercial aviation fleets in the 1950s.

Before jet-powered aircraft like the Boeing 707 took over, the Super Constellation was a go-to aircraft. In particular, it became a signature plane for Trans World Airlines.

The “Super Connie” is considered one of the most elegant aircraft ever built. From its sloping dolphin-like nose to its distinctive triple tail, the plane looked sleek and unique.

The accompanying video was taken at the perfect time. The dusk takeoff of this Super Connie shows the four flames being emitted from the four engines.

Why Does The Connie Spit So Much Fire?

Based on this video, you could nickname the Connie, the Spitfire! (We’re kidding, of course)

The L-1049 went through numerous changes and adjustments, but for the most part, the aircraft’s four 18-cylinder radial engines remained the same – versions of the Wright R series.

Most of the Super Connies were powered by R-3350-972-TC18DA-1 turbo-compound engines, which featured Recovery Turbines that allowed each engine’s exhaust gas to flow through three turbines. That boosted horsepower by 550. The drawback was the visible flame from the exhaust pipes.

To prevent the flames from causing catastrophes, two-inch armor plating was placed under the stack. Problem solved. But the flames remained, and that added to the spectacle of seeing a Super Constellation in flight.

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