An Operational Conversion: Some Details of the Work Entailed in the Modification of the Lockheed Constellation 749 to the Model 749A

ALTHOUGH we deplore the practice where‐by every modern air liner has its all‐up weight increased continually from the time of its first successfully concluding trials until its obsolence, we were interested to see the modifications to the structure of the Lockheed Constellation required to enable the gross take‐off and landing weights to be raised from 102,000 lb. and 84,500 lb. to 107,000 lb. and 89,500 lb. respectively. The work involved, which is generally similar to a major repair, converts the aeroplane from a Model 749 to a Model 749A. In Europe the job is undertaken by K.L.M. at Schiphol and it was through the courtesy of that company and of Air India International, owners of the airframe we inspected, that we were able to see this interesting conversion.