Columbine III
(Photo: USAF Museum)
This
military version of the Constellation (USAF designation
VC-121E) was used by President Eisenhower from 1954
until he left office in 1961.
On
Nov. 24, 1954 it was christened by Mrs. Eisenhower as
"Columbine III", named after the state flower
of Colorado. From 1961 to 1966 it was used to
transport government officials and visiting dignitaries
world wide.
It
is currently on display at the United States Air Force
Museum.
please
note:
Columbine
II (also a Constellation) was used to transport President
Eisenhower from 1952 thru 1954 until the modified
Constellation
(Columbine III) was finished.
Columbine
II was the first aircraft to have the designation of
"Air Force One" when the President was aboard.
While transporting the President in 1952, air traffic
control personnel confused Air Force 8610 (it's original
designation) and Eastern Air 8610 which was flying in
the same control area. For safety reasons it was decided
that the designation of Air Force One should be used
for any aircraft carrying the President of the United
States.
SPECIFICATIONS
Span: 123 ft.
Length: 116 ft. 2 in.
Height: 24 ft. 9 in.
Weight: 133,000 lbs. max.
Armament: None
Engines: Four Wright R-3350s of 3,400 hp. ea.
Cost: $2,647,000
Tail Number: 37885
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 330 mph.
Cruising speed: 255 mph.
Range: 4,000 miles
Service Ceiling: 33,600 ft.
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