Douglas World Cruiser – Fotos y Videos

el Douglas World Cruiser (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.

Fuente: Douglas World Cruiser en Wikipedia

el Douglas World Cruiser 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.
El vuelo partió de Seattle el 6 de abril de 1924 y siguió una ruta que cruzó 28 países y cuatro continentes. El vuelo enfrentó muchos desafíos, como mal tiempo, problemas mecánicos y autoridades hostiles. Uno de los World Cruisers, Seattle, se estrelló en Alaska y otro, Boston, se perdió en el Océano Atlántico. Los dos cruceros mundiales restantes, Chicago y Nueva Orleans, completaron el viaje el 28 de septiembre de 1924, después de volar durante 175 días y cubrir más de 26,000 millas. El Douglas World Cruiser fue un logro notable que demostró la viabilidad y el potencial de la aviación de larga distancia.