The B-50 Lucky Lady II - First Non-Stop Flight Around the World

As the Cold War slowly began, the US longed to show the USSR that no matter where the Soviets hid, US bombers would be there to retaliate if need be. This ambition proved a perfect opportunity for the recently created United States Air Force, which was eager to further establish itself as an independent branch of the US Navy and the Army. Curtis LeMay, head of the Strategic Air Command, ordered a group of B-50 bombers to embark on a mission to fly nonstop around the globe. One of those aircraft was a B50A Superfortress nicknamed Lucky Lady II. The aircraft made history the first to circle the world nonstop with the help of innovative mid-air refueling techniques. The goal to increase the USAF’s prestige and the country’s power had been achieved. More importantly, Lucky Lady II showed the USSR and the whole world that, according to Bruce D. Callander (QUOTE): “Distance and geographical barriers no longer offered sanctuary from airpower.“ --- Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between. As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.