F.VIIb/3m, "Southern Cross", c/n 4954

Originally registered as 1985 and named "Sprit of California", then registered as G-AUSU (1928-1929), then became VH-USU.

In 1928 it flew from Oakland, CA to Brisbane Australia with stops in Hawaii and Fiji. It is now on display at the Brisbane Airport in Australia.

During this flight the aircraft was in constant radio contact with ships and shore. It had four transmitters and three receivers powered by a propeller-driven generator. Here's an article from San Francisco Business, July 11, 1928 about the San Francisco company that built the radio equipment.

Photo taken by Raymond V. Pelot. Most likely Oakland, CA

Large Image


1983 Brisbane Airport



A flying replica was built in 1987, also registered VH-USU, it is the largest replica in the world.