Today in Smithsonian History: November 17, 1982

The Spirit of Texas, a Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II, is the first helicopter to complete a round-the world flight.

November 17, 1982 The Spirit of Texas, the first helicopter to fly around the world, is placed on display at the National Air and Space Museum. The pilots, Jay Coburn and H. Ross Perot, Jr., later received the Samuel P. Langley Medal for their pioneering flight.

Perot and Coburn departed Dallas, Texas, on September 1, 1982, and returned 29 days later after flying over 26 countries. They flew an average of eight and a half hours a day, refueled 56 times, and encountered no major mechanical problems along the way. Powered by an Allison 250-C28B turbine engine, the LongRanger is a typical helicopter built for business and utility use. The Spirit of Texas was modified for its round-the-world trip. Nonessential items were removed and an extra fuel tank was added, along with special safety, communication, and navigation equipment. The aircraft was painted bright colors to enhance its visibility.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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