Lockheed Super Constellation “Columbine III”

LOCKHEED VC-121E (1049) SUPER CONSTELLATION “COLUMBINE III”

This is a detail of Stan Stokes’ painting “The History of Air Force One” that is on display at the Palm Springs Air Museum. This particular airplane is the Lockheed Super Constellation “Columbine III”. The “Super” Constellation was a higher performance version of the previous Lockheed Constellations. It also had a larger (18 feet longer) cabin with a more luxurious interior. It was faster (maximum speed 330 mph) and had a longer range (4,000 miles). This was the Presidential airplane for six years starting in 1954. The name “Columbine”, used on all three of Eisenhower’s presidential aircraft, was in honor Colorado, Mamie’s home states’ official flower. Eisenhower’s first Constellation named “Columbine” was his official aircraft while he was the Allied Supreme Commander during WWII. This aircraft is in the National Museum of the United States Air Force.