An Icon Aloft – A rare Golden Age DL-1 Lockheed Vega

This beautiful and rare DL-1 Lockheed Vega piloted by John Magoffin is framed against the sunlit red rocks high above the Arizona Desert. When Detroit Aircraft bought controlling interest in Lockheed, they designed an aluminum fuselage that followed the lines and function of the original wooden fuselage almost exactly. The current home of this aircraft is the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona.

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The year was 1928 and the concept of the airplane was changing radically. While barnstormers still landed rickety surplus biplanes in pastures to hop passengers, those days were waning fast. Utility was driving designs to be faster and sleeker. But, when the Lockheed Vega flew in June of that year, it was as if a spaceship had landed. Its lines and performance were a quantum leap forward, especially as it continued to be improved to...

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All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.