Like many, I've always liked the looks of the Lockheed Constellation, and admired it's performance. I'm not generally into ancestor worship, and I certainly feel the modern crop of Jet airliners are far superior, nor do I want a trend back towards gasoline powered aircraft. However, I was doing a little research on Seat (or passenger) Miles Per Gallon, and discovered that the old Connie is about as efficient as today's modern Airliners.
No question the modern Jets fly in much thinner air, and fly much faster. But when comparing an aircraft designed in the late 30's, I find it amazing that the Connie's efficiency holds up so well.
Each of the 3250HP Wright 3350 engines consumed only 100 gallons per hour in cruise flight. By way of comparison the 1200HP Pratt-Whitney PT6-67P in our Pilatus PC12 burns 65GPH in cruise.
Here is a turboprop conversion, notice the prop pitch:
No question the modern Jets fly in much thinner air, and fly much faster. But when comparing an aircraft designed in the late 30's, I find it amazing that the Connie's efficiency holds up so well.
Each of the 3250HP Wright 3350 engines consumed only 100 gallons per hour in cruise flight. By way of comparison the 1200HP Pratt-Whitney PT6-67P in our Pilatus PC12 burns 65GPH in cruise.
Here is a turboprop conversion, notice the prop pitch:
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