Lockheed EC-121R Super Constellation USAF, 67-21498, 553rd RW, Korat RTAFB, Thailand, Dec 1970

1/200 scale die-cast metal with minimal use of plastic.
All markings are tampo (pad) applied, no decals to discolor or flake.
Free-spinning propellers.
Most models have rolling wheels.
Landing gear can be removed or added.
Model comes with a display stand.
A brief history of the aircraft type and the airline is supplied with each model.

In 1954 the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star was introduced and operated until 1978. These
aircraft were used as airborne early warning radar surveillance to work in conjunction with the
DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) Line. The USAF used these aircraft in Vietnam as electronic
sensor monitors and to detect enemy aircraft activity as well as a few other operations. These
aircraft were the forerunners to today's E-3 Sentry AWACS. The USAF aircrews used the
nickname "Connies", a play on the word Constellation.

In 1967 former USN WV-2 and WV-3 Constellations were converted for USAF purposes and sent
to Korat, Thailand as a component of "Operation Igloo White". These aircraft wore the standard
3-tone SEA camouflage schemes but the crew of EC-121R 67-21498 c/n 4496, former USN
143222, with the 553rd RS/553rd RW "Batcat" got creative and added a shark mouth nose art.
The EC-121R operated in the Vietnam War from October 1967 until December 1970 when they
were replaced by aircraft that were faster and smaller targets.


Specification for the Lockheed EC-121D or USN designation WV-2
Name – Warning Star
Crew – 6 x flight crew and 11 – 25 radar crew

Dimensions
Length – 116 ft 2 in (35.4 m)
Wingspan – 126 ft 2 in (38.45 m)
Height – 24 ft 9 in (7.54 m)

Weight
Empty – 69,210 lb (31,387 kg)
Maximum Take-off – 143,000 lb (65,000 kg)

Performance
Power Plant - 4 x Wright R-3350-34 Turbo Compound 18-cylinder supercharged radial engines
developing 3,400 hp (2,536 kW) each
Maximum Speed – 299 mpg (260 kt, 481 km/h)
Cruise – 255 mph (222 kt, 410 km/h)
Range – 4,250 mi (3,700 nm, 6,843 km)
Service Ceiling – 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
ROC – 8960 ft/min (4.87 m/s)