Douglas launched a stretched version of its DC-6 airliner as a cargo transport, designated DC-6A, for both military and civilian operators.

Each engine's exhaust gas flowed through three turbines, increasing power by 550 hp (410 kW).

One drawback of the PRT was the visible flame from the exhaust pipes; this was resolved by placing armor plating 2 in (5.1 cm) thick under the stack.

The wings of the new model were strengthened, cabin soundproofing was increased, and the landing gear retraction system was improved.

It had two cargo doors on the left side and a reinforced magnesium floor as used on the R7V-1 military variant of the L-1049B.

Lockheed thought of fitting a new variant based on the L-1049E with more powerful engines, but the project was cancelled.

Wingtip tanks of 1,037 US gal (3,930 L) total capacity were incorporated, increasing range by 1,110 miles (1,790 km).

A new Bendix or RCA weather radar could be installed in the nose, which changed the nosecone shape.

Powered by four R-3350-988-TC-18EA-6 engines, the L-1049J was based on the L-1049H with the wings of the R7V-2 Constellation and an extra fuselage-mounted fuel tank.

The aircraft entered service with Eastern Air Lines in December 1951 flying Miami to New York.

In 1956, a TWA L-1049 collided with a United Airlines DC-7 over the Grand Canyon, leading to the deaths of all on both aircraft.

From the summer of 1955 to the spring of 1956, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) leased three Seaboard L-1049Ds for passenger flights.

Northwest Orient Airlines L-1049Gs flew Seattle, Washington to Tokyo, Okinawa and Manila in 1955–57.

Other Latin American Super Constellations were on Línea Aeropostal Venezolana, Avianca, Real Transportes Aéreos, and Varig.

Most Super Constellations were retired by their original operators after the advent of the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8; the last passenger L1049 flight in the US was an Eastern shuttle EWR-DCA in February 1968.

The WV-1 Navy version was used during the Cold War with picket ships on the DEW (Distant Early Warning) lines, one east and one west.

These aircraft served in the Vietnam War in several roles, including transmitting television programs from the United States for the troops on the ground, and observing the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

The last model of Super Constellation produced was the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, developed for the United States military.