Wings of the historic Lockheed Super Star arrive in Frankfurt

Following the fuselage, the wings of the legendary Lockheed L-1649A “Super Star” have now also arrived in Frankfurt. Each imposing wing measures 22 meters in length and, together with its transport frame, weighs eight tons. With its total length of around 35 meters and an impressive wingspan of more than 45 meters, the iconic 1950s Super Star can soon shine again as a complete aircraft. Its future home will be the new Lufthansa Group Conference & Visitor Center (CVC) in Frankfurt am Main.

Transporting the wings posed an extraordinary challenge for the experts at Gruber Logistics. The wings were already fully assembled. Ailerons, flaps with lower and fairing structures, engine nacelles, landing gear, and so-called nose boxes were all installed, which increased the transport width to 6.40 meters. Obtaining permits and planning the route therefore required exceptionally precise preparation.

Loading and unloading involved two twelve-ton forklifts that had to work in perfect synchronization to keep the delicate wings balanced. With the center of gravity located in the wing box, the forklifts simultaneously lifted the balanced wings millimeter by millimeter—a masterstroke of precision.

With the arrival of the wings, the iconic long-range aircraft from the 1950s will soon regain its characteristic appearance at the CVC. The Super Star will be on display and accessible to visitors in its new home, just in time for the airline’s 100th anniversary.

LUFTHANSA