Lockheed Model L-255, modified Connie for RCAF

[Skybolt]

Following a discussion in the Designation System section, the talk went on the Lockheed Model L-255. So behold.
In 1953 CALAC proposed to the RCAF a modified Constellation 1049D for maritime recon. The Connie airframe was modified with a nose-mounted 20-mm gun turret, increased cockpit windows, added search radar, added external pod for gunner, stores, radar and camera, added MAD tail and added wing rockets and rnissiles provisions. Internal changes would be minor except as necessary for the new equipment. Performance would have been a bit less than the Model 1049D due to the added protuberances creating additional drag. The idea was to have turboprop power plants to restore performances level.

 

[Maveric]

Thanks Skybolt, very nice bird...
...some technical data, please

Thanks

Maveric

 

[Just call me Ray]

The idea was to have turboprop power plants to restore performances level.

That may have been what doomed the project, since the timeframe would be right for it to compete against Argus, which was a turboprop frame (Britannia/Yukon) that reverted to radials because that's what Canada specifically wanted.

 

[Apophenia]

Many thanks Marco! That lower section is like the ultimate Speedpak. But is that a dorsal turret visible on the forward fuselage in the side view?

Ray: the RCAF specified long range which the Proteus couldn't deliver. The Argus ended up with R-3350s instead of Centaurus because development was handed over to Canadair (which had proposed R-3350s for their original entry, the CL-29 ... as well as the later CL-31 and CL-33 concepts).

In accepting the Turbo Compounds, the RCAF was showing its willingness to sacrifice speed for endurance (suggesting that, had Lockheed's bid been successful, the L-255 would never have need T34s or whatever turboprop Lockheed had in mind). What the Canadian government wasn't willing to sacrifice was Canadian production. Was Lockheed willing to have their aircraft licence built in Canada?

 

[Skybolt]

But is that a dorsal turret visible on the forward fuselage in the side view?

Yes apparently a retractable one. Self defense ?