Ryan NYP <i>Spirit of St. Louis</i>

Ryan NYP <i>Spirit of St. Louis</i>

This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

Download the image

Silver colored doped fabric covered high wing single radial engine monoplane. The "Spirit of St. Louis" was designed by Donald Hall under the direct supervision of Charles Lindbergh. It is a highly modified version of a conventional Ryan M-2 strut-braced monoplane, powered by a reliable 223hp Wright J-5C engine. Because the fuel tanks were located ahead of the cockpit for safety in case of an accident, Lindbergh could not see directly ahead, except by using a periscope on the left side or by turning the airplane and looking out a side window. The two tubes beneath the fuselage are flare dispensers that were installed for Lindbergh's flights to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Learn more about Ryan NYP <i>Spirit of St. Louis</i>

Created By:

Eric Long

Date Created:

07/09/2013

Source:

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Air and Space Museum Original Photography, NASM Acc. 2012-0026

Keywords:

Aircraft; Aviation; Aviators; Competition Flight; People; Private; Records & Firsts

Rights & Restrictions:

CC0
For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use