Flying this specially modified Lockheed 5C Vega, famed aviator Wiley Post set many records and pioneered several aviation technologies. In 1931 Post and navigator Harold Gatty flew it around the world in eight days, and in 1933 Post became the first to fly around the world solo, taking only seven days. In 1935, while wearing the world's first pressure suit, which he helped design, Post flew the Vega into the stratosphere, reaching 547 kilometers (340 miles) per hour while cruising in the jet stream. The Winnie Mae was named for the daughter of F. C. Hall, the original owner and a close friend of Post.
Designed by John K. "Jack" Northrop, the Lockheed Vega first flew in 1927. It was the first aircraft with the NACA cowl, which streamlined the airflow around and through the engine. This decreased drag and increased power plant cooling.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
First Solo Flight Around the World
Famed aviator Wiley Post set records and pioneered aviation technologies flying this Lockheed 5C Vega. In 1933, Post became the first to fly around the world solo in seven days. In 1935, while wearing the world's first pressure suit, Post flew this Vega into the stratosphere.
1930
United States of America
CRAFT-Aircraft
Lockheed Aircraft Company
High wing cantilevered monoplane with monocoque fuselage, fixed landing gear, ground adjustable propeller.
Wingspan: 12.5 m (41 ft)
Length: 8.4 m (27 ft 6 in)
Height: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Weight, empty: 1,177 kg (2,595 lb)
Weight, gross: 2,041 kg (4,500 lb)
Top speed: 298 km/h (185 mph)
Cowling: Aluminum
Overall: Plywood
Wheel Pants: Aluminum
Lockheed Vega Winnie Mae
A19360030000
National Air and Space Museum
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.