First Atlantic crossing

[foxmoth]

In a club quiz recently there was a ? about what Alcock & Brown famously acheived, the given answer was that it was the first non stop Atlantic crossing by air, but I seem to remember this being done by an Airship (or more correctly a Blimp) prior to A & B.
Can someone confirm if this is right or not and who did it (I think it was the US navy)

[Mr_Grubby]

foxmoth.

About three weeks before Alcock and Brown crossed the Atlantic, a US Navy Curtiss flying boat, the NC-4, flew from Rockaway NAS in New York City to Lisbon. It was captained by Lieutenant- Commander Albert Read. The flight was made in stages, via Chatham Massachusetts, Halifax Nova Scotia, Trepassey Bay Newfoundland, Horta in the Azores and finally Lisbon arriving on May 27 1919. Alcock and Brown flew St Johns Newfoundland to Clifden Co Galway non stop. That’s the record.

Still researching the Airship/Blimp question. I will get back to you unless someone posts before with the info !

Regards
Mr G.

[foxmoth]

Thanks Mr G, but it is non stop I was after. I was aware of the Curtis Flying boat crossing, but as said, this was done in stages, refuelling at Tenders on the way across.

[Red Spitfire Driver]

The First Transatlantic crossing by air, was by the NC-4 flying boat between 8 May and 31 May 1919.

The First Non-Stop flight across the Atlantic was Alcock & Brown 14-15 June 1919.

The First Airship Crossing, and the First two Way Crossing was achieved by the British Airship R34 between 2 and 6 July 1919 (westbound) and 10 - 13 July (eastward).
Departure was East Fortune, Scotland to New York, return flight landed at Pulham, Norfolk England.
Total distance covered 6330 miles (10187km) in 183hrs 8 mins.
A world record for airships.

Cheers

[foxmoth]

thanks for the info Red, I obviously had it wrong.;)

[Mr_Grubby]

Red Spitfire Driver.

So you do exist !!!

Should have known you were the one to ask about Airships !!.

Been listening to you on OCK and WILOW. You are still clipping your transmissions. This is something that you are going to have to watch, if you are going to have a career in ATC !!!!!!!!!!

Also been in touch with Rob. G-AOFJ up for sale. Fancy going half ?

Clint.
AKA Mr G.