Douglas World Cruiser – Снимки и видеоклипове

1. Дъглас Световен крайцер (DWC) was developed to meet a requirement from the United States Army Air Service for an aircraft suitable for an attempt at the first flight around the world. The Douglas Aircraft Company responded with a modified variant of their DT torpedo bomber, the DWC. Five aircraft were ordered for the round-the-world flight, one for testing and training and four for the actual expedition. The success of the World Cruiser bolstered the international reputation of the Douglas Aircraft Company. The design of the DWC was later modified to create the O-5 observation aircraft, which was operated by the Army Air Service.

Източник: Дъглас Световен крайцер в Уикипедия

1. Дъглас Световен крайцер was a historic aircraft that achieved the first aerial circumnavigation of the world in 1924. It was developed by the Douglas Aircraft Company as a modified version of their DT torpedo bomber, which had been used by the US Navy. The World Cruiser had a steel fuselage, a larger wing and rudder, and six fuel tanks that increased its range and endurance. It could also switch between wheels and floats, depending on the terrain and weather conditions. The US Army Air Service ordered four World Cruisers for the expedition, named Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans. They were piloted by four officers and accompanied by four mechanics.
Полетът излита от Сиатъл на 6 април 1924 г. и следва маршрут, който пресича 28 държави и четири континента. Полетът е изправен пред много предизвикателства, като лошо време, механични проблеми и враждебни власти. Един от световните крайцери, "Сиатъл", се разбива в Аляска, а друг, "Бостън", се губи в Атлантическия океан. Останалите два световни крайцера, "Чикаго" и "Ню Орлиънс", завършват пътуването на 28 септември 1924 г., след като летят 175 дни и изминават повече от 26 000 мили. Douglas World Cruiser е забележително постижение, което демонстрира осъществимостта и потенциала на авиацията на дълги разстояния.