Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules
I assume that civilian versions were flying for quite a while after that in America and elsewhere, but 1976 seems to be the last date for an American military version.C-121s still around in 1978 and presumably after that?
Nope: still flying into Mildenhall in 1978. Hence my comment. Not sure when they retired after that.I assume that civilian versions were flying for quite a while after that in America and elsewhere, but 1976 seems to be the last date for an American military version.
Always appreciate getting better information. Is that documented, or your personal observation?Nope: still flying into Mildenhall in 1978. Hence my comment. Not sure when they retired after that.
The one I saw at Mildenhall in 1978 belonged to the 915th AEW Group, Homestead AFB, FL. It was still active until retired in September 1978. I assume there aircraft in service after that. (EC-121T 54-2307)I assume that civilian versions were flying for quite a while after that in America and elsewhere, but 1976 seems to be the last date for an American military version.
The Connie shows a unique Lockheed characteristic that I have long wondered about. See how the horizontal stabilizer extends out past the twin fin/rudder? They did that on the Electra, Hudson, PV-1 Ventura, P-38, Connie, etc. Looks like to me it would be harder to manufacture, harder to attach the fin, harder to arrange the rudder, and have more drag. The B-24, B-25, Ercoupe, Beech 18, and A-10 did not do it that way.
More frontal area does not necessarily equal more drag; think 'tire' versus the larger (and less draggy) fairings that often enclose them on aircraft.The Connie shows a unique Lockheed characteristic that I have long wondered about. See how the horizontal stabilizer extends out past the twin fin/rudder? They did that on the Electra, Hudson, PV-1 Ventura, P-38, Connie, etc. Looks like to me it would be harder to manufacture, harder to attach the fin, harder to arrange the rudder, and have more drag.