Double Eagle II: First Balloon Across the Atlantic
Ben Abruzzo, Maxie Anderson, and Larry Newman touched down in a barley field near Miserey, France, on August 17, 1978, completing the first successful transatlantic balloon crossing after 137 hours and 6 minutes aloft in the Double Eagle II. The helium balloon had launched from Presque Isle, Maine, six days earlier. Thirteen previous attempts by various teams had failed, some fatally. The crew navigated using a combination of VOR radio signals, sextant readings, and cooperation with air traffic controllers across the Atlantic. They crossed Ireland at 15,000 feet and descended over the English Channel. The flight covered approximately 3,100 miles and earned the crew the Congressional Gold Medal.
August 17, 1978
48 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Paris
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Atlantic Ocean
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Double Eagle II
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balloon (aircraft)
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Miserey
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Presque Isle, Maine
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Double Eagle II
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Balloon (aeronautics)
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Miserey
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Presque Isle, Maine
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Ben Abruzzo
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Atlantic Ocean
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Paris
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France
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Maine
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