Super Constellation

Now in it's fourth year during winter season, Black Forest Airport is home of a unique treasure. The Super Constellation (Connie) gets her annual maintenance done at Lahr airport.

The goal of the Super Constellation Flyers Association registered in Basel / Switzerland (Abbr. SCFA) is tomaintain and fly this beautiful aircraft.

Many enthusiasts and Connie veterans perform countless hours of work on this historic aircraft during its time in winter maintenance, in order to prepare it for its upcoming flight season.

The Star of Switzerland (registered HB-RSC) is fascinating her fans with static displays and flight displays during airshows and events all over Europe.

Only 2 flying Connies in the world

Today, there are only two Super Constellations left that are able to fly. The Star of Switzerland in Switzerland/Europe and the Southern Preservation in Australia.

Why does the Connie have three rudders?
In case of a dual engine failure on the same side, the pilot still needs to be able to maintain control of the aircraft. Therefore the rudder surface must have a certain size in order to maintain aircraft stability and controllability. If only one enormous rudder had been created, the aircraft would not have fit in any hangar. That is why the necessary rudder area was divided up into three individual surfaces.

Why are the propellers so large big?
Each engine puts out 3,200 horespower. In order to transform this amount of power into thrust, large big propellers are necessary. If they were smaller, the RPM's would have to be increased, which is not possible. That is why the Connie is equipped with the largest biggest propellers (4.63 meters diameter).

How many passengers could fit into the Connie originally?
The earliest Constellation aircraft had approximately 40/50 seats, in some models up to 60 seats. The longer Super Constellation offered a seating capacity of up to 100 passengers.

Is it possible to view the Connie at Lahr airport?
Unfortunately not. Due to reasons of insurance the Connie can not be visited at the Lahr airport. During the maintenance period doors and parts of the floor are missing, therefore only the maintenance are allowed to work outside/inside the aircraft.

The Super Constellation in May 2009 as it left Lahr airport after winter maintenance.

How fast, high and long does she fly?

435 km/h

543 km/h

approx. 210 km/h

7050 m

6500 km

14 Hours

1900 Liters/Hour

56 Liters/Hour

4 x 3250 HP

32 tons

54,4 tons

Information about the Super Constellation Flyers:   www.superconstellation.org