Originally Posted by The Daily Mail
May 1969. London - New York transatlantic air race, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Alcock and Brown's crossing of the Atlantic, between the RAF and RN.
The RAF used a Harrier GR1 operating out of Northolt. Flown by Squadron Leader Tom Lecky-Thompson, the flight, in XV741, involved 4 air-to-air refuellings (Victor K1s) and took 6 hr 11 min 57 sec landing at at Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station. (Floyd Bennett is located in the southern part of Brooklyn between Flatbush Avenue and Jamaica Bay).
The RN provided a F-4K from 892 Sqn out of Yeovilton. Also supported by the K1s, they set a record flight time of 4 hours 46 minutes and 57 seconds.
The race, however, was from the top of the Post Office Tower to the top of the Empire State building. The RAF won overall because of their reduced ground transit times.