On October 30th 1961, Super Constellation VT-DHM "Rani of Ellora" (manufacturer's serial No.
4614) on longer sported Air India's colours but was resplendent in its new Indian Air Force
insignia. In accordance with an agreement covering the transfer of the L.1049 fleet, the I.A.F.
took over a total of nine Super Constellations from Air India International, the last aircraft (VT-
DHL "Rath of Ajanta") being handed over on June 11th 1962. Two of the Super Constellations
had earlier been sent to Ontario for conversion into freighters (VT-DJW "Rani of Bijapur"
became BG 579 "D" and VT-DJX "Rani of Madurai" became BG 583)
On strength of No. 6 (MR&T) Squadron, the I.A.F.'s L.1049s have been assigned a number of
tasks: primarily some 'Super Connies' fitted with ASV-21 search radar at HAL's Overhaul
factory at Bangalore, have supplemented and replaced the B-24 Liberator in the maritime
reconnaissance role. The L.1049s have been successfully used for long endurance, low level
maritime patrols up 200 miles (322 km.) from and along the Indian coast-line, staging
occasionally through airbases in the South. Although detection equipment has been installed, the
marking and offensive capability of the aircraft is most limited.
L.1049s have also doubled up as transport carriers for long distance flights, flying a force's
courier service within the country while the freighters have made regular visits to the United –
Kingdom for airlifting essential spares and defence supplies. In October November 1962, Super
Constellations, flying day and night, inducted troops from the Punjab to Assam, some aircraft
being operated from rough forward airstrips considered suitable for only Dakota-type aircraft. In
the 1971 conflict with Pakistan, L.1049s were on continuous maritime patrol duties, keeping a
close check on maritime activity with a flight of Canberras, earmarked for the anti-shipping
strike task, standing by in case of need. After the war, early in 1972, L.1049s were involved with
the transportation of defence personnel returning to Calcutta from Dacca.
Notes :
A lengthened, and more powerful development of the L.749 Constellation long-range transport,
the L.1049 first flew in October 1950, powered by four 3250 h.p. Wright R.3350-DA3 radials.
Air India received its first Super Constellation in June 1954 and introduced the type first on the
India-U.K. route and extending its services later to East Africa and the Far East. The Super
Constellation had seating configuration of 63-99 passengers. The U.S. Air Force version of the
aircraft was designated the C-121 and a variant was fitted out as an airborne early warning radar picket.
