The Lockheed EC-121R Super Constellation page, was originally part of the opening Batcat page first created on 6/8/99.  Because of the large amount of information about the EC-121R itself I moved it to its own page 04/21/02, Last updated 07/09/08.

Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs taken by Larry Westin.

Beautiful Inflight view of
EC-121R sn 67-21490
I purchased a really nice color inflight view of EC-121R 67-21490. Photo is U. S. Air Force photo KE 35179, taken January 15, 1969, by Master Sergeant Roman G. Contos, USAF. Labled as a "High angle side view of U.S. Air Force EC-121 of the 553rd Reconnaissance Squadron in flight of Thailand." I believe this is the best inflight view of a Lockheed EC-121R I have seen yet.  Size is set to be about full screen with resolution set to 600x800. My thanks to Dean Boys for alerting me that this photo was for sale on eBay!  Color, about 127K, added 2/15/00. 

Leroy Moberley provided this wav sound file of a  Connie starting engines.  The Lockheed EC-121R Super Constellation's Wright R-3350 engines produced 3,400 horse power each.  Listen to the power.  WAV file about 119K, Added 11/3/02, updated 04/17/04.

Die cast model of the Lockheed EC-121R
I learned from Batcat Chuck Gascoigne  that the Corgi company in the UK, well known maker of die cast models, has released a limited edition (1700 models) of the die cast model of the Batcat Lockheed EC-121R (this is the main UK site). The Corgi model number is reference AA35103. 

The Corgi USA site also shows the Lockheed EC-121R Die cast model with prices in U.S. dollars.  This is a 1:144 scale die cast model, with a wingspan of about 10 inches (listed as 260mm on the Homepages).  I purchased one of these models and feel it is a very nice model.  I purchased my model off eBay, and noted a couple different sellers offering the model.  Historic Aviation in Minnesota has the Corgi EC-121R Available. The model can be displayed on a stand, or on its included landing gear. I display it on the landing gear.  This is a limited edition model, with Corgi planning to build 1700, so I'd recommend against too much of a delay if you want the model.  Added 05/30/05, updated 10/04/05.

Tim Healy's Homepage has details on all Corgi models.  Tim's Homepage has extensive coverage of the Corgi EC-121R Die Cast Model.  I recommend a look at Tim Healys's Homepage, it has a lot of data on the Corgi EC-121R model with many images providing considerable detail of the EC-121R model. Added 9/25/05.

The Lockheed EC-121R Super Constellation
All aircraft flown by the 553rd Recon Wing were originally built for the U.S. Navy by Lockheed as WV-2and WV-3 Early Warning aircraft. Begining in late 1966 Lockheed Aircraft Services modified 30 ex Navy Super Constellations (2 EC-121P/WV-3 and then 28 EC-121K/WV-2) aircraft for the specialized reconnaissance mission flown by the 553rd. These aircraft were issued new Air Force serial numbers from 67-21471 through 67-21500. Conversion work was completed by mid to late 1967.  Here is a text article with details of the Lockheed EC-121R, including Lockheed construction number, Navy Bureau number, USAF serial number, and disposition of the aircraft.  Also included are details of the C-121G aircraft loaned by the Pennsylvania ANG to the 553rd, the YQU-22A and QU-22B aircraft flown by Detachment 1 of the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB.  You can also access this text file from the main Batcat page.  Updated 10/12/04.

Transformation Navy WV-2 to USAF EC-121R
The EC-121R aircraft were all conversions of previously existing U.S. Navy WV-2 or WV-3 early warning aircraft.  Here is the starting point, an   WV-2 Inflight from slightly above.  The top height finder radom is clearly visible in this view.  Here is WV-2 Bureau Number 141317 shown on the ground.  Navy Bureau number 141317, which is Lockheed construction number 4441, is one of the Navy aircraft which was converted to an USAF EC-121R.  Navy 141317 after rework by Lockheed Aircraft Services, Ontario, California, became EC-121R 67-21476 - previously Navy 141317 shown here after transformation makeover.  This photo taken at Otis AFB, MA, by Mike Burroughs. Unfortunately this airplane was involved in a landing accident.  Here is a view of 67-21476 when it over ran the end of the runway at Otis AFB, January 24, 1969.  Photo by Steven McKee. EC-121R never flew again, but she did become a source of spare parts, shown here on wooden blocks.  Photo by Gordon Tatro. Photo sizes are: WV-2 Inflight about 66K; WV-2 Bureau Number 141317 about 49K; EC-121R 67-21476 - previously Navy 141317 about 49K; 67-21476 when it over ran the end of the runway about 94K; and become a source of spare parts about 13K.  See below for additional details on the landing accident.  Added 10/29/06.

EC-121R In Flight Photographs
A Connie departs Korat RTAFB runway 6 outbound on a mission. Ed Thurston took this picture driving along Friendship Highway of a Connie departing February 1968. Added 03/09/08, B&W, about 148K.
A Connie en route to orbit, believed aircraft 67-21495, a very nice view. Mark C. Pollman won this picture on an eBay auction and sent it to me for scanning - Thank you. Added 07/09/08, B&W, about 178K.
An Inflight view of the EC-121R. B&W, about 56K. USAF Photo, Korat photo lab provided this photograph.
An inflight view over clouds from slightly behind. Randy Spencer was aboard the other EC121 which formed up together when this photo was taken. There is a penciled note on the back of the photo which says "wheel door," indicating the EC121R in the photograph may have experienced a problem with the landing gear. Randy Spencer provided the photograph which I scanned, but was not certain of the source of the photo. Added 12/7/99, B&W, about 34K.
An inflight view from the side almost level.  This may also be aircarft 67-21490 probably taken the same time as the photo above. My thanks to James (Jim) Humphrey for providing this image. Added 12/04/02, B&W,about 41K.
MSgt. Dean Boys, retired, sent me this photo of an EC-121R during take-off. This photo shows 67-21472 in its original paint scheme. Col. Ted Ostendorf told me this photo was taken on take off from Ontario airport, Ontario, California. Ontario airport is where Lockheed Aircraft Services made the modifications to the U.S. Navy Constellations to convert them into the R model. Added 5/26/00, B&W, about 35K.
Bob Levy sent me this inflight level side view of an EC-121R.  This views accents many of the antennas which were attached to the upper and lower sides of the fuselage.  Photo taken sometime in 1968.  B&W, about 62K, added 8/12/04.
Mark Hoffman sent me this view of a EC-121R Landing just about to touch down.  This may have been taken at Utapo RTAFB as it doesn't appear to be Korat to me. B&W, about 113K, added 9/7/04, updated 09/12/04.

Korat RTAFB Rescue Helicopter
Mark Hoffman sent me this view of one of the Kaman HH-43B Huskie Rescue Helicopters at Korat. At Korat the HH-43B helicopters used the call sign "Pedro."  B&W, about 81K, added 09/07/04.
Here is a view of a HH-43 with a fire surpression rig under the helicopter. My thanks to Bob Langenhan for providing this image. Added 07/05/08, B&W, about 28K.

Views of the EC-121R on the Ground
EC-121R Running up prior to Take-Off. This is aircraft 67-21486. Added 08/30/99, about 36K.
View of an EC-121R on the Ramp at Korat. The camoflage paint soaked up the heat of South East Asia. B&W, about 43K.
A ground view of the rightside of an EC121R, at Korat. Randy Spencer provided this photograph for me to scan. This view is a good color right side view. Many of the antennas are visible. Added 12/07/99, color, about 43K.
A ground view of an EC-121R at Otis AFB, MA.  Otis AFB was the training base for both ground and air crews for the 553rd Recconnaissance Wing.  Photo provided by Mike Burroughs, color, about 27k, Added 9/28/02.

Views of the EC-121R Tip Tanks
EC-121R were refurbished by Lockheed at their Ontario, California, facility. As delivered all EC-121R's have the standard Lockheed Super Constellation Tip Tank. During their service a number of EC-121R aircraft were converted to use the ribbed type Tip Tanks first used on the EC-121D Warning Star Super Constellation. The ribbed type tip tanks were developed to help lightning dissapation. Photos about 63K and 92K, Added 12/02/07.

EC-121R Camoflauge Coloring Detail

EC-121R Camoflauge Coloring. This image is a scan from the technical order on how to paint aircraft, including the paint color numbers. Added 9/28/02, about 20K.

College Eye EC-121D's were also based at Korat
A view of a College Eye EC-121D In-Flight. These radar equipped aircraft had the large radomes above and below the fuselage and were not camouflaged. Added 11/04/99, color, about 49K.
College Eye Connie's often flew far north to provide radar coverage for aircraft over North Vietnam. During these missions fighter aircraft provided support. Here a pair of Convair F-102 Delta Darts form up on the left wing of an EC-121D heading north. Another view of F-102's off the left wing of an EC-121D in flight.My thanks to Greg Moore who provided these images. Both images are color, 39K, and 37K respectively. Added 03/19/08.
A view early in the deployment to Korat of an EC-121D On the flight Line. Taken from under the wing of an EC-121R, the EC-121D under the flap is serial number 55-137. No reventments are yet present on the flight line. Photo courtesy of Richard Ertz, B&W, about 96K, Added 06/17/08.

Lockheed C-121G Super Constellation's on loan from the
Pennsylvania Air Guard used for training and other tasks

At two different times while at Korat the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing was loaned C-121G aircraft.  My thanks to Dave Rindone for sending this image of one of the C-121G Aircraft. Both of the G model Connie's came from the Pennsylvania Air Guard.  First aircraft was 54-4049, on loan from 4/25/69 to 2/2/70, second aircraft was 54-4056, not sure of the exact dates.  I can't tell from this image which aircraft this is.  Added 03/18/06, color about 56K.
Brent Morris sent me these views of the two G models used by the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing, serial numbers 54-4049 and 54-4056. Here are images of  54-4049 at Hong Kong view 1, 54-40?? at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, 54-4049 at Hong Kong view 2.  Here are some views of the G models undergoing maintenance - 54-4056 having the oil tank changed by Tsgt. Zeger,  54-4056 having a prop change,  54-4056 having the number 2 engine changed - view 1,  54-4056 having the number 2 engine changed - view 2. Each image between 33K and 53K, added 06/06/06.

EC-121R Interior Views
Pilots Instrument Panel of an EC-121R. Color, about 47K.
Flight Engineers Instrument Panel of an EC-121R. Shown here with the ground crew doing an engine runnup. My thanks to Peter Eastman who provided the photo. Color, about 78K, added 03/03/02.
CIM/CICO area looking forward. B&W, about 43K.
CIM Panel. My thanks to Mike Yates for providing this image. Added 12/15/99, color, about 55K.
CICO Panel.  My thanks to Tom Forth for providing this image.  About 107K. Added 10/23/01.
Homepage author Larry Westin at a CIM Station inflight during 1969. Added 06/10/99, about 48K.
My thanks to Dave Rindone who sent these interior images.  First is a view looking from the EWO station aft.  EWO station is on the left.  This particular EC-121R did NOT have the advanced ECM.  RMT is on the right foreground, and you can see the CICO panel behind on the right.  Next is a view looking at the two left side CIM stations from the CICO panel.  Large area on the forward left is the plotting board, covered in this view.  Both images are color, EWO aft about 102K, Left CIM stations about 82K. Added 03/18/06.
George ???? working the CIM station in-flight. My thanks to David Smith for this image. Added 08/19/07, about 169K.
Homepage author Larry Westin at the Radio Operator Station inflight during 1969. Added 06/10/99, about 47K.
Seating Chart for the EC-121R. This chart came from the official USAF flight manual for the EC-121R. There is some bleed through on the image, which is present on the original. Shows all positions. Added 6/14/99, about 58K.

Views inside the lower fuselage of an EC-121R
View of the lower fuselage interior showing racks of electronics.  My thanks to Dave Rindone for this image.  Color, about 97K. Added 03/18/06.
Outside Views taken while In-flight
Everyone who ever made a night take offin the Lockheed Super Constellation will remember this view of the Blue Flames coming out of the engine exhaust during a Night Take Off. Only at night, and only during the high power settings used for take off, were these blue flames visible. Quite a site! My thanks to Walt Troy for providing this image. Color, about 53K, added 08/1/00.
Inflight view taken from the Radio Operators Position.  Shows the view the radio operator had. B&W, about 32K.
Inflight view taken from the Forward Crew Rest area. Mekong river shown below. Color, about 29K.

Inflight Emergency
"The Da Nang Glider"
During June 1969 an unique incident occurred with a 553rd Reconnaissance Wing EC-121R. Shortly after arriving on station, with the crew and airplane settling in for the work which needed to be accomplished, everyone was suddenly startled by the silence.  Read about how All 4 Propellers Feathered Inflight!!. Officially around Korat this airplane came to be called "The Da Nang Glider." As far as I can determine, never before, or after, has a Lockheed EC-121 ever had all four propellers feather simultaneously inflight. Revision A now includes the Lockheed construction number, 4480, and USAF serial number, 67-21487, of the specific airplane involved in the incident.  Added 03/16/01, updated 05/30/05.
The Wright R-3350 engine used on the EC-121R was not the most reliable aircraft engine built.

Here is a ground view of 67-21487 during January 1968, well before the incident described above. My thanks to Ed Thurston for providing this image. The image is rather large, which allows you to zoom in and confirm the tail number. B&W, about 333. Added 03/16/08.

During my tour I flew 73 combat missions, about 790 combat hours, and experienced an engine or propeller problem an average of once every 12 flights! Here are some images of actual in-flight engine problems. Inflight view while Number 2 engine is shut down and Propeller Feathered. Taken from forward crew rest window. Color, about 26K. Closeup of Feathered Number 2 Propeller. Taken from forward crew rest area. Color, about 30K. Inflight Fuel Dumping. After number 2 engine was shutdown it was necessary to dump fuel so the airplane was light enough to maintain altitude with the 3 remaining engines. Color, about 31K. Jim McCune sent me these images of number 1 propeller feathered and fuel dumping. Here is a second view of Fuel Dumping". Color, about 171K and 189K respectively. Added 04/20/08.

Batcat EC-121R Aircraft Crashes
The first aircraft loss, 67-21476, was a Landing Accident at Otis AFB, MA, on January 24, 1969, where Batcat training was given. The only injury was a broken leg. Photograph by Steven McKee who worked on the Early Warning Connies at Otis AFB. About 94K. Steven McKee can be contacted via e-mail at smckee1@worldnet.att.net.  Gordon Tarto sent me this photograph he took of  67-21476 on June 3, 1969.  This view shows what remains of the airplane, as it sits on a stack of wood, with a B-1 maintenance stand near the rear entrance door.  I believe this airplane was used only as a source of spare parts after the landing accident.  Color, about 13K.   Dean Boys sent me this newspaper article about the Otis AFB EC-121R crash. Bob Barth sent me this official USAF accident report for the Otis AFB EC-121R crash. Both these articles are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, about 300K each. Added 11/04/01, updated 05/25/07.


Second aircraft lost was 67-21493 on April 25, 1969, at Korat.  All 18 Batcat aircrewmem were lost in this crash. I obtained the "releaseable" parts of the full accident report. I make available here the Accident Summary of the loss of BATCAT 21 on April 25, 1969. I retyped the information and present it in ASCII text format. I obtained the report through the Feedom of Information Act.  My Thanks to A. J. Northrup, author of "Fifty Fallen Stars," for information about how to obtain documents through the Freedom of Information Act. Added 03/07/00.

I obtained these images which show the crash of Batcat 21, aircraft 67-21493, on April 25, 1969. These photographs were taken the day after the crash. Image 21493-2.jpg shows an overview of the crash site. Image 21493-1.jpg is a closer view. Batcat 21 departed Korat at 1600. I was a crewmember on the next Batcat take off at 1645. I have a vivid memory of looking down shortly after take off and seeing the remains of Batcat 21. The only piece of wreckage I could identify from the air was the triple tail of the Lockheed Super Constellation. Image 21493-3.jpg is a ground view of the wreckage. These images were included in the accident report, however the quality in the accident report is very poor. These are much better quality images added 08/19/07. Jim Bost sent me another view of the crash of 67-21493. This is probably the best quality image of this loss.  B&W about 206K. Added 04/20/08.

Three photographs of the third Batcat aircraft lost, 67-21495, on Sept. 6, 1969 while trying to land at Korat in a very bad rain storm. Taken from the road going into the city of Korat the day after the aircraft crashed, image 1 shows a ground view of the crash, B&W, about 25K.  Second image of the crash is an aerial view of the crash. B&W, about 66K. My thanks to Randy Spencer for providing this aerial view, of the EC121R loss. Dave Smith sent me several views of the crash. Dave has a very personal interest since he was aboard the aircraft. After recovering Dave met an airman from the base photo lab who loaned him several views of the crash taken from a helicopter.  The third crash view shown here is a direct overhead view of the crash. Added 10/28/00, about 66K. Four Batcat aircrewmem and 4 Thai's lost their lives in this crash. Randy Spencer obtained the Accident Report for 67-21495 through the Freedom of Information Act. Presented here is the Accident Summary of the loss of BATCAT 19 on September 6, 1969. I retyped the information and present it in ASCII text format. Area Updated 03/07/00.

EC-121R's at Davis Monthan AFB
the final fate of the EC-121R's 
A List of the Fate of ALL EC-121R aircraft, in Adobe Acrobat Reader PDF format, about 29K. Added 12/02/07.

EC-121R at Davis Monthan AFB. Also known as the "Boneyard." Got this image off the Dean Boys Air Force Page (link below). Photo by Brian Lockett, EC-121R 67-21496 at the Boneyard at DMAFB 1972. No EC-121R exists today, see text article above for disposition of all EC-121R's. Color, about 36K.
EC-121R Serial Number 67-21484 at Davis Monthan AFB, July 1970. This image was found on the Airliners.net Homepage by Batcat Homepage visitor Ben Brown.  I was able to contact the copyright holder and photographer, Bob Garrard, via e-mail.  Bob Garrard authorized the use of this image on my Batcat Homepage.  Color, about 91K. Added 10/12/04.

All these photos of EC-121R's at Davis Monthan
courtesy of the Zoggavia Collection
67-21471 near the end. Tip tanks, engines, RHAW antenna, and radom remove. Color, about 111K.
67-21475 upon arrival. Tires covered, ready for wash down prior to moving to the storage area. Color, about 66K.
67-21475 near the end. A number of D type tip tanks nearby. Color, about 99K.
67-21483 near the end. Well into disassembly before scrapping. Color, about 91K.
67-21485 still intact in the storage area. Color, about 96K.
67-21486 upon arrival at Davis Monthan. There appears to be 2 additional EC-121R's on the same ramp, serial numbers unknown. Color, about 65K.
67-21489 still intact in the storage area. Height finder radom of EC-121D behind the R model. Color, about 89K.
67-21490 still intact in the storage area. Color, about 102K. Added 12/29/07.
67-21492 still intact in the storage area. Color, about 91K.
67-21494 still intact in the storage area. Unusual white propeller spinners. Color, about 112K. Added 12/29/07.
67-21496 still intact in the storage area. Color, about 96K.
67-21496 still intact in the storage area showing a side view. Color, about 91K.
67-21497 upon arrival at Davis Monthan. Color, about 98K.
Unknown EC-121R in the process of disassembly. This EC-121R is in a very unusual condition, note the airplane is lying on grass, which may mean it isn't actually Davis Monthan AFB, or the Tuscon area. I'd very much like to hear from Anyone who can provide more information about this airplane. Color, about 50K.
Twelve, those without add dates, of the above 14 Zoggavia Collection photographs added 12/02/07. Two additional images Added 12/29/07.

The Beech QU-22
replacement for the EC-121R
In an effort to reduce cost, the Air Force tried to replace the EC-121R with a highly modified Beech Bonanza. These QU-22 aircraft would occassionally visit at Korat. Here is an inflight photo of Two Beech QU-22B Aircraft. The back seat was removed and sensor receivers were installed. There was a position for the pilot, but ideally they were to be flown without a pilot. Some 27 "B" models were built. The QU-22's did become operational, but were always flown with a pilot on operational missions, not as a drone Photo is B&W, about 41K, added 02/06/00. Here is a QU-22 Site with more information about the Beech QU-22. Here is a text article with details of the fate of each Beech QU-22. Updated 12/02/07.

Randy Spencer sent me some QU-22B photographs, including this photograph of a Beech QU-22B Fuselage, which were taken during April 2002 at Lake Elsinore, California.  Here is a photograph of the  Beech QU-22B Cockpit. Cockpit is pretty standard Beech model 36 Bonanza, however notice on the right side there appears to be a frequency meter (old reed style), a "G" meter, UHF communications rather than VHF.  Dual VHF omni and an ARC ADF-21.  Both photographs are the same airplane, serial number 69-7701. Viewing Randy's photographs reveal the airplane appears to be intact, although disassembled, and the aluminum appears corrosion free.  Reports are that enough parts are available at Lake Elsinore to build up 3 complete QU-22B aircraft.  Both images are color, each about 72K, added 5/17/02.

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