File:Fairey IIID ‘17’ “Santa Cruz” (53692622223).jpg

c/n F402 The Fairey III series were reconnaissance biplanes which could operate as either landplanes or seaplanes. The prototype first flew in 1917 and later models remained in service until 1942. This ex-Portuguese Navy IIID is the only surviving example from the 964 of all models built. In 1922 it was the third of three IIIDs used during a long-distance flight from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro, marking the 100th anniversary of Brazil’s independence. Piloted by Portuguese navy Commander Artur de Sacadura Cabrai and with Rear Admiral Carlos Viegas Gago Coutinho navigating, the journey included the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic. Although the initial flight from Lisbon and the trans-Atlantic section were flown using ’F400’ (named “Lusitânia”) ‘F402’, seen here, completed the final section from the Brazilian Fernando de Noronha islands to Rio de Janeiro, arriving on 17th June 1922. Museu de Marinha, Belém, Lisbon, Portugal