1941 Associated Press Photograph – “Air Train” of Gliders Over New York City

Original Associated Press Wirephoto dated May 21, 1941, showing a rare aerial view of a “sky train” of gliders being towed in formation over New York City. The image captures multiple gliders strung behind a tow plane as part of a demonstration of their potential military application.

The press caption explains that this trial flight represented a test of using gliders for long-distance transport, including mail or cargo. The string of gliders was towed in sequence by an airplane acting as the “locomotive,” with the test flight piloted by Edward O’Meara, assisted by William Miller, Smith, and Dr. R.A. Franklin. The caption notes that the successful demonstration envisioned future flights linking Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington.

The accompanying newspaper clipping describes the event in the broader wartime context, highlighting the use of “motorless planes” during the Nazi invasion of Crete in 1941. This provides important historical background, showing how the U.S. press drew parallels between experimental American glider projects and the combat-proven German military use of gliders.

This photograph is an exceptional document of early American glider experimentation on the eve of U.S. entry into World War II, combining aviation innovation with contemporary press interpretation.