In the heart of Germany, a well-known C-121C Super Constellation temporarily rests, waiting for its next caretaker to bring HB-RSC back to the skies. The aircraft is currently advertised for sale by Austrian aircraft broker Mesotis Jets. Described as being professionally stored in a disassembled state at Bremgarten, Germany, the company assures potential buyers that the aircraft can be shipped worldwide. This latest sale attempt follows the abandonment of previous restoration plans by DIAG Aviation GmbH.
A Legacy of Military and Civilian Service
As recorded by Ralph M. Pettersen’s Constellation Survivors Website, the Lockheed C-121C Super Constellation, now registered as HB-RSC, has a long and storied history, spanning continents and multiple transformations since its November 1955 delivery to the U.S. Air Force. Initially serving with the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) Atlantic Division, the aircraft was later transferred to the Mississippi Air National Guard (ANG) in October 1962, followed by the West Virginia ANG in March 1967. By April 1972, it was retired and placed in storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
Civilian Career and Agricultural Conversion
In June 1972, the aircraft was transferred to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) but was soon exchanged with Aviation Specialties Inc. on August 17, 1972, in a deal involving the Boeing S-307 Stratoliner N19903. The aircraft was then ferried to Mesa Falcon Field before being sold to Aircraft Specialties in March 1973, receiving the civilian registration N73544. By April 1973, the aircraft was modified for agricultural spraying, receiving a Restricted Certificate of Airworthiness on April 27, 1973. It remained in operation until being stored at Mesa, Arizona, from 1976 to November 1978, after which it was made airworthy again at Goodyear, Arizona, in 1979, before moving to Chandler Memorial Airport in early 1980.
Aviation Ventures and Restoration Efforts
Ownership changed multiple times, with Globe Air Inc. acquiring the aircraft in February 1981, followed by Benny Younesi and Mehrdad Khoramian in January 1982. In December 1982, it was leased to Classic Air, Van Nuys, for a sightseeing flight venture that never materialized. The aircraft was ferried to Chino, California, in March 1983, and later to Camarillo, California, in January 1984, arriving with its #4 engine shut down and its propeller feathered. To ensure its preservation, the Constellation Historical Society (CHS) was formed in 1992. A two-year restoration project at Camarillo led to its first post-restoration flight on June 23, 1994, with its airshow debut at NAS Point Mugu on September 24, 1994. The aircraft became a staple on the Western U.S. airshow circuit before being grounded by the FAA in mid-2001 due to maintenance irregularities.
A Transatlantic Move and European Airshow Career
In January 2002, the aircraft was listed for sale on eBay with a reserve price of $750,000. Although an offer of $600,000 was made, owner Benny Younesi declined. A breakthrough came on December 17, 2003, when CHS and the Super Constellation Flyers Association (SCFA) signed a lease-purchase agreement. The aircraft departed Camarillo on April 26, 2004, arriving at Basel-Mulhouse Airport, Switzerland, on May 8, 2004. For five years, the aircraft was jointly operated by CHS and SCFA, with SCFA completing the purchase in April 2007 and re-registering it as HB-RSC. Based in Basel, Switzerland, it actively flew on the European airshow circuit. However, corrosion issues grounded the aircraft in January 2010, requiring $600,000 in repairs, which were completed by April 2011. Mechanical troubles continued, with a #2 engine failure grounding it in 2012 and further issues preventing flights in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, primary sponsor Breitling withdrew its aviation sponsorships, including support for HB-RSC.
Grounding and Sale
Faced with a CHF 20 million repair bill and Swiss aviation restrictions, the SCFA Board of Directors disbanded the organization in April 2019. On July 1, 2019, the aircraft was sold to a German investment group intending to restore it. Under Meirer Motors, the aircraft was disassembled in August/September 2019 and transported by road to Eschbach-Bremgarten, Germany, on November 27, 2019. Despite initial restoration plans, HB-RSC was advertised for sale in April 2023, leaving its future uncertain.
An Exclusive Interview with Thomas Thums of Mesotis Jets
Recently, we interviewed Thomas Thums, Sales Director for Europe & Partner Accounts at Mesotis Jets, about the future of this iconic aircraft. “After the crash of a Junkers Ju 52 on August 4, 2018, in Switzerland, regulations for historic aircraft operations were tightened worldwide. HB-RSC had a “Permit to Fly” until autumn 2017, but extensive repairs to the flap ring ribs were required in October 2016, which delayed its renewal,” Thums told Vintage Aviation News.
“Since we have worked closely with Lufthansa for years and had expressed interest in their historic aircraft, we were introduced to Hans Breitenmoser (President of SCFA) and Peter Manzoni (liquidator of SCFA) by Meirer Motors. After analyzing both the Super Star and Super Constellation projects, we realized HB-RSC could be restored to flight status more efficiently. We prioritized the Swiss project due to its existing operational organization.”
“Following site visits and cost evaluations, we decided to move HB-RSC to Bremgarten, conduct pre-engineering, and identify specialist companies for the restoration. We now seek co-investors willing to support this significant undertaking. With Dr. Stefan Pintsch and Dominik Kälin, we have experienced project leadership, while AeroFem and Kasaero provide specialist engineering expertise.”
A New Opportunity for Aviation Collectors
With the aircraft now available for sale, aviation enthusiasts and potential investors have a unique opportunity to help return HB-RSC to the skies. Those interested can contact Mesotis Jets or Thomas Thums (EMAIL)directly for further details.
