Its high-aspect ratio all-metal wings were based on those of the Laister Nugget sailplane, while the slender fuselage and empennage were of Kevlar/fiberglass/Urethane foam composite construction.
It was powered by a 135 hp (100 kW) PZL-Franklin air-cooled flat-six piston engine, chosen for its superior fuel economy.
[1][2] The plan was for Jewett to make the flight at high-altitude, to take advantage of jetstream winds, with an average 50 knot tailwind expected.
Sophisticated radio navigation gear was fitted to pinpoint the aircraft's position and to warn Jewett if it drifted off-course.
The flight was planned to start and finish at Houston Intercontinental Airport, Texas, flying eastwards over the Atlantic and Mediterranean, then using the jetstreams over China and the Pacific Ocean.