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HMA R34

William Beardmore and Company · Trans-Atlantic Rigid Airship / Trans-Atlantic Experimental Flight · UK · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)

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The first aircraft to cross the Atlantic from east to west and the first to make a round-trip Atlantic crossing. R34 left Scotland on 2 July 1919 and reached New York after 108 hours — including a stowaway who had to parachute down to arrange the mooring. The return journey with a tailwind took 75 hours. Wrecked in a mooring accident in 1921.

Specifications

Category
Airship
Sub-Category
Rigid Airship
Domain
Civil
Era
Pioneer Age (pre-1919)
Country
UK
Manufacturer
William Beardmore and Company
Operator
RAF
Primary Role
Trans-Atlantic Rigid Airship / Trans-Atlantic Experimental Flight
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1919
Produced
1
Engine
5x Sunbeam Maori IV inline
Thrust / Power
275 hp each
Launch
Ground (shed)
Length (ft)
643
Wingspan (ft)
78
MTOW (lb)
86000
Endurance (hr)
108
Range (mi)
3500
Max Speed (mph)
62