Lockheed
VC-121
Columbine
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Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Paterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
The C-121 is the military version of the famed Constellation commercial transport. During World War II, the AAF purchased 22 early model Constellations, which were designated C-69s, and between 1948 and 1955 the USAF ordered 150 C-121s for use as cargo and passenger carriers, executive transports and airborne early warning picket ships.

The VC-121E, the only one built, was President Dwight Eisenhower’s personal airplane between 1954 and 1961. Mrs. Eisenhower christened it Columbine III in honor of the official flower of Colorado, her adopted home state, in ceremonies on Nov. 24, 1954. Columbine III served as the presidential aircraft until President Eisenhower left office in January 1961. It remained in service transporting government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries throughout the world until it was retired to the museum in 1966.
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 123 ft.
Length:  116 ft. 2 in.
Height:  24 ft. 9 in
Empty Weight:  
Gross Weight:  133,000 lbs.
Armament: None
Engines: Four Wright R-3350s of 3,400 hp each
Crew: 		Maximum speed: 330 mph
Cruising speed: 255 mph
Range: 4,000 miles
Service ceiling: 33,600 ft.
   
SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force  
VARIANTS:

 EC-121
Warning Star