Мировая Авиация 175

Второй и последний опытный самолет Lockheed R6O Constitution показан здесь в рекламной окраске для ВМС США. Изначально самолет проектировался под требования авиакомпании "Pan American" к вместительному самолету большой дальности, но обе построенные опытные машины эксплуатировались только в 44-й авиатранспортной эскадрилье (VR-44). На двух палубах самолет мог перевозить 168 военнослужащих, максимальная взлетная масса составляла 83 461 кг, однако последующие заказы не последовали - ввиду прекращения разработки ТВД Wright Typhoon.

Air International 1995-01 / J.Miller - Lockheed's Skunk Works

Specified to carry a 9,000kg pay load over a range of 7,200km, the Constitution was the largest US Navy transport of its day. Unfortunately, the only two examples were not completed until some 15 months after the end of World War Two, by which time the mission had lost its priority.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

The Lockheed XR6O-1 Constitution Naval Transport (four 3,500 h.p. Pratt & Whitney R-4-360 engines).
In spite of its bulk, the Constitution presented quite an elegant outline when flying “clean”.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

Both Constitutions served as transports with VR-44 until 1955.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

The two port Pratt & Whitney Wasp Majors seen from a forward window in the Constitution’s top deck.

Мировая Авиация 175

Constitution имел недостаточно мощную силовую установку, было построено всего два самолета. Разработчиком был предложен и противолодочный вариант, но интереса у ВМС США он не вызвал.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

After commissioning, a Constitution made an inaugural non-stop flight across the USA. One of the pair survives, languishing near Opa-Locka airport, Florida, as N7673C.

Air Enthusiast 2001-01 / T.Singfield - The Free Air of Heaven

Amongst the variety of visiting military aircraft in the 1950s, the arrival of VR-44’s Lockheed R6O Constitution 85163, one of only two built, must stand out as a highlight.

Jane's All the World Aircraft 1947 / All the world's aeroplanes

The Lockheed XR6O-1 Constitution Naval Transport (four 3,500 h.p. Pratt & Whitney R-4360 engines).

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

The first XR6O-1, 85163, lifts off from Burbank for its flight on November 9, 1946, after a take off run of only 1,820ft. Note the extended tail-bumper and the tandem pairs of main wheel units with twin legs.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

On February 2, 1949, following its formal introduction into the US Navy by Rear Admiral Lynde McCormick, one of the XR6Os made a jet-assisted take off from Alameda, California, and buzzed the airfield.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

The flight deck, with a parachute-equipped crew in situ. The flight engineer, on the right, usually handled the engine controls.

Aeroplane Monthly 1978-06 / B.Gunston - Lockheed's Leviathan

A chief petty officer in the entrance of the wing tunnel which made the engines accessible during flight. Mechanics only had to stoop to walk out as far as the outer engines.