Howard Hughes’ Constellation in Maine

Flying into the Auburn-Lewiston Airport in Maine carries with it a look back to the grandeur of the first transcontinental airplanes. Long the dream and focus of local resident Maurice Roundy, two of his historic planes have been acquired by Lufthansa  historic flight foundation, Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stiftung (DLBS),  to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition. One is still sitting on the tarmac and its sheer size as compared to the other general aviation planes is immediately striking. The sleek silver airplane with its 150-foot wingspans and tri-tail design are unlike anything on the ground or in the sky today.

This extraordinary airship traces its roots back to 1939 when Howard Hughes unveiled a plan for faster non-stop passenger service coast to coast.     The Constellation, or Connie as it was affectionately called, would enable his TWA airline to lead the way in air travel. Lockheed produced the plane from Hughes rough sketches and made it the most elegant aircraft of the time. 

As soon as the plane has been completely restored, it is destined to be relocated to Europe. If you want to get a glimpse, don’t delay!