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| Lockheed Super Connie IN-315 is the largest Naval aircraft on preservation today. The aircraft is seen here during its days as retired aircraft at Dabolim. |
The aircraft that takes the distinction of being one of the largest 'Giants' to be preserved is the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation [IN-315] on display at the Naval Aviation Museum. An ex-INAS-312 aircraft, it has survived a decade and a half of being grounded and lying unused at Dabolim before it was resurrected for its new life with the NAM.
The Navy's flirtation with large aircraft started with the induction of the Illyushin Il-38 MR aircraft on the aftermath of the 1971 War. Maritime Recce, till that point of time was the prerogative of the IAF, which used to operate the Super Connies in the MR role with its No.6 Squadron. Prior to thier military career, the Super Connies were with Air India flying the Trans atlantic routes.
 | The restoration of IN-315 is arguably the largest such effort undertaken in India |
| The aircraft is also the first to feature a 'Walk Thru' for the visitors. The IAF Roundels however are painted in the wrong place as can be seen when compared to the original paint scheme above. |  |
The IAF handed over the Super Connies to the Navy in 1976 and on 18 November 1976, INAS 312 ("Alba tross") was commissioned at INS Hansa, Dabolim, with five Super Constellations, these being reserialled IN-315 to IN-319 as their third identity. The aircraft were already quite old and were on their last legs. The maintenance support was provided by Air India technicians.
Inevitably, albeit slowly, the converted airliners had to be withdrawn from active service, starting with IN tourist visitors to Goa have regularly witnessed on arrival at 318 in November 1981, and ending with IN-317 on 20 December 1983. INAS 312, was put on a number-plate basis on 8 June 1984, to await new aircraft so that the "Albatrosses" could fly again.
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| The Constellation lies facing the Vehicle Parking area of the Museum and forms an impressive introduction to the visitors. | |
The Super Connies of the Navy remained at Dabolim airfield for some years, slowly rotting away due to the weather and the elements. Some of them were scrapped in due course of time. For years there were rumours of two Constellations lying around in Goa. It was soon confirmed that one, IN-315 was still there in April 1999. IN-315 was previously Constellation C/N 4614 . It was VT-DHM "Rani of Ellora" with Air India, subsequently BG 575 with the Indian Air Force.
The aircraft lost its paint and was observed as a derelict in a photograph that appeared in Flypast Magazine.
 | This photograph shows the 'In' ladder and the 'Out' Ladder in the rear that provides the Walkthru . |
| The aircraft still carries its original massive Radial engines and propellers. |  |
An year later, in April 2000, it was confirmed that work had started on the restoration of the Super Constellation for the IAF Museum. The team was led by Capt AR Ravindra and Lt Cdr MP Verma.
It was a massive task, not only were the exteriors to be cleaned and painted, but the Interiors were to be bought upto the mark to enable a 'walk thru' experience for the visitors. This was the first time such a thing was attempted with any preserved aircraft in India.
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| The empty passenger hold as seen when the aircraft was opened for the public and subsequently after the fitting of 'airliner' seats. | |
First, the Cockpit which was in a shambles had been restored and two fully clothed store dummies have been put in full flying gear to simulate the crew in their seats. The Cockpit area was sealed off with perspex to allow visitors to see how it looks at the same time keeping them off from going in and possibly damaging the set up.
The main passenger area was also the subject of much work by the Navy's team. The floor area was mostly plywood and this had to be disposed off and new flooring done by installing Aluminium sheets. For some time the visitors got to walk through the bare cargo hold of the aircraft, but a local airline contributed some airline seats which soon found their way into the hold. The difference was quite noticeable.
 | A look from the top of the front ladder shows the massive piston engine and prop. |
| Keeping such a large aircraft clean is a huge task. The wind and weather doesn't help the effort. Here, one of the panels on the port wing pried loose by the elements. The dust and grime accumulated by outdoor display can easily be made out. |  |
It is very clear that if any aircraft of the Navy was sucessfully brought back from the graveyard, then this is the one. Usually large aircraft like this Constellation are not the favourites for restoration work, but the Navy had proved otherwise by resurrecting this famous bird after decades in the wild.
