El gran vuelo. Madrid - Manila 1926

El gran vuelo. Madrid - Manila 1926 is an essential historical work centered on military aeronautics. Reliving the technical details and incredible endurance of these early heroes offers a captivating read for every pilot, captain, first officer, and copilot fascinated by the roots of early air transport. Published by Ediciones del Viento to commemorate the exact centennial of this landmark journey, this 224-page volume brings back to life one of the greatest accomplishments in aviation history.

On April 5, 1926, three single-engine Breguet biplanes took off from the historic Cuatro Vientos Airfield in Madrid. Crewed by military officers Eduardo González-Gallarza, Joaquín Loriga Taboada, and Rafael Martínez Esteve alongside their mechanics, the Elcano Squadron undertook the formidable challenge of covering 17,100 kilometers. Every flight crew member faced an extraordinary journey divided into four main legs: from Madrid to Cairo, across the Middle East to Karachi, over India to Yangon, and finally across the South China Sea to Luzon—a major milestone for the early aviation industry.

Renowned author Álber Vázquez, an acclaimed specialist in military and exploration narrative, turns his focus from maritime history to explore the pioneering interwar technology that shaped modern flight. Despite international skepticism and severe mechanical breakdowns, this expedition remains an enduring pillar of air navigation heritage. To discover more literature regarding the evolution of the field, we invite you to browse our dedicated selection of history books.

Features of El gran vuelo. Madrid - Manila 1926

• ✈️ Historic Flight Route: Detailed chronicle covering the 17,100 km long expedition completed by the Elcano Squadron.
• 📖 Centennial Edition: Commemorative release published in March 2026 by Ediciones del Viento.
• ✍️ Specialized Author: Authored by Álber Vázquez, a celebrated writer of military history and exploration sagas.
• 🛠️ Technical Focus: In-depth account detailing the operation and maintenance of the Breguet biplanes.
• 📚 Convenient Format: Paperback binding with flaps, designed for comfortable reading.

Technical Specifications

• 📘 Title: El gran vuelo. Madrid - Manila 1926.
• ✍️ Author: Álber Vázquez.
• 🏢 Publisher: Ediciones del Viento, S.L. (Viento Céfiro Collection No. 47).
• 📅 Release Date: March 2026.
• 📄 Page Count: 224 pages.
• 📐 Dimensions & Weight: 22.0 x 16.0 cm, 1.5 cm thickness, and 340 grams weight.
• 🇪🇸 Language & Binding: Spanish, paperback with flaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which aircraft were used in the El gran vuelo. Madrid - Manila 1926 expedition?

The mission utilized three single-engine Breguet biplanes operated by Spanish military aviators departing from Cuatro Vientos.

What was the primary goal of the Elcano Squadron?

Their goal was to connect Madrid and Manila over a 17,100-kilometer route initially planned to be completed within 32 days.