The early Constellations were often volume-restricted rather than weight-restricted. The Speedpak cargo pannier was developed at the request of Eastern Air Lines. It reduced speed by 10 mph and range by 4%. It was electrically lowered for unloading or for removal as it was typically used on shorter flights - note that the unit wears an individual number, 14, and does not belong to the airframe. Eastern actually ordered 14 Speedpaks initially and KLM seven. Photo by: Ralph Morse / Life
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