Today, Lufthansa Group celebrates a pivotal moment in aviation history at its Hamburg headquarters. For the first time in decades, the iconic Lockheed L-1649A Super Star is on the apron again, supported by its own landing gear. This event, thrilling for aviation enthusiasts, captures the unique fusion of nostalgia and engineering marvels.
Meticulous Reassembly Efforts
The revival of this historic aircraft was made possible through the dedicated efforts of an interdisciplinary team comprising approximately 15 technicians. Major components, including the fuselage, wings, and the iconic triple-tail unit, were carefully reassembled to remain faithful to the original design.
In October 2023, the fuselage and other large parts were transported to Hamburg in a total of 292 wooden crates. The reassembly process was carried out with precision, honoring the engineering genius of the 1950s.
Restoration of the Original 1950s Cockpit
One of the standout features of the Super Star is its cockpit, restored faithfully to its original 1950s state. The lighting and controls are fully functional, with wiring enabling movement of the rudders and flaps—a tribute to the timeless ingenuity of the aircraft’s engineering.
A Brief History of the Lockheed Super Star
Introduced in 1957, the Lockheed Super Star made history as one of the first aircraft capable of connecting New York nonstop across the Atlantic. A technical masterpiece of its era, this aircraft left its mark on North Atlantic routes during the classic era of propeller-driven airplanes, powered by its four piston engines.
These long-haul flights spanned arduous routes, with flight times extending up to 17 hours. Hamburg played a central role as both a departure point and maintenance hub for the Super Star. For Lufthansa and Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg holds profound symbolic significance.
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