So, what is the most beautiful piston engine airliner? Pose this question among two or more aviation enthusiasts and you may be sure that a lively, possibly heated discussion will ensue. However, I would be quite surprised if most, if not all, would ultimately agree that the Lockheed “Constellation” was the most beautiful, graceful if you prefer, or at least among the top two or three.
The “Connie,” as it was universally and affectionately called (much to the dismay of Eddie Rickenbacker of WWI fame who, as the owner of Eastern Airlines, thought the name to be too effeminate) was a spectacular and singular aeronautical design from the first rude sketch of “Excalibur” to the last L-1649 “Starliner.” Gathering many firsts and breaking many records in its almost five decades-long useful lifetime, Constellation consistently stands out from her sister airliners both visually and functionally. Sadly, the many luminous stars embodying this “Constellation” were ultimately eclipsed when at their brightest by the urgent, inexorable force of progress which saw the end of the age of the long-distance piston engine airliners and the birth of the big, jet-powered transports. This new era of air-transportation in the U.S. Began on 26 October 1958 when Pan American Airlines (Pan Am) flew a Boeing 707 with 111 passengers from New York to London. Soon, the jet-powered Douglas DC-8, Convair 880 and Sud Aviation “Caravelle” joined the 707 and long-range piston airliners were through.
Even so, there are many, this writer among them, who posit that even whilst swifter, no kerosene burning aluminum tube has ever come close to matching Connie’s superb grace and poise. Her story is full of ironies and surprises, of Geniuses, Presidents and Pioneers. You see, there once was this fabulously wealthy, incandescently brilliant, eccentric movie mogul, aviator and airline owner who had an idea for an airplane… – Excerpt from Constellation manual history by Mitchell Glicksman © 2016
Tomas Linnet (verified owner) –
I think the 049 Connie is the most beautiful of all propliners, so I was quite excited when I saw the reveal of the new 049 Captain of the Ship promo video and I bought it on release day. After a few hours on the ground studying manuals and getting familiar with the cockpit layout, it was time to fire up the four R3350’s. The details to the sound is amazing so every engine start is an experience in itself. As always both interior and the exterior is very good looking.
Unfortunately there is a few bugs is this product, e.g. you will have to carry a very large fuel reserve in order to not get an emergency after landing and the flight engineer will not handle low temps in the carbs very good.
4 out of 5 from me.
Enjoy your flight!
-Tomas
Andrew Walter (verified owner) –
Welcome to the Connie. The queen of the skies, and the princess of the night. The Connie has been an all time favorite of mine next too the DC-3. Take her up. This airplane is not just another add on, it’s an adventure. You’ll connect worlds and important people and families all while soaring through the liquid mountains of the sky in class and safety. Engine trouble over the Atlantic? I promise you don’t worry. She’s going to get you home. (please excuse me one moment) “Ladies and Gentlemen, those on the left side through the hole in the clouds, below is the metropolis of Chicago”. Ok I’m back. A2A have created something truly authentic with the Connie that WAYYYYY back when the builders of FSX (P3D too) where creating this I often wonder if this was what they had in mind of flight simulation. You really can fly this bird “by the numbers”. Ladies and Gentlemen we expect to be on the ground in just about 20 minutes, without further-a-due welcome to New York!
Dear Scott and A2A, THANK YOU isn’t enough for this awesome Constellation experience!
Roelof Heikens –
I use this aircraft at a regular base now I know how to fly it. It is really something special and the reaction of the passengers and crew is really awsome. It is my all time favorite.
Roelof
João Pedro –
Hello! I’m very excited about the L049 constellation and all the systems on board. I like all A2A planes and there are other great vintage planes that don’t exist on FSX: DC-7, Boeing 307, and others. It would also be interesting for them to develop an engine asymmetry addon, in-flight emergencies and more, all of which could be used in other vintage aircraft like Captain Sim 707.
Todd (verified owner) –
I have been using A2A aircraft for years now and they just get better with each aircraft. I use air hauler2 and the realism is just incredible. I just got the Connie and im having a blast with it. I love the old prop planes and would love to see A2A DC3, C46, DC4, and DC6. So A2A has their work cut out for them
tune82 (verified owner) –
Love everything on the aircraft, proud of making a lot of repaints for it 🙂
tim (verified owner) –
Ever since A2A introduced Accusim back in 2008 I dreamed of a A2A Constellation. My excitement was enormous when they announced the project and I haven’t been disappointed. I think what I like the most is the engine start procedure. It’s not scripted like with so many other addons but a true physics-based simulation. One can say that starting the engines of the Connie is an experience in itself. It’s probably the most realistic simulation of a radial engine. And the sounds are awesome too. Captain of the Ship with it’s simulation of a crew and the cabin as well as a career system makes every flight unique. That is great for the long term motivation as you could have a sick passenger on one of your flights (land as soon as possible) or a VIP (don’t make any mistakes). And you can hear the direct reaction of the passengers if you descend too quickly or if the temperature of the cabin is not right. All this makes the A2A Constellation a very special addon and a must-have for every Propliner fan!