Douglas World Cruiser – Fotos e Vídeos

O Douglas Cruzador Mundial (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.

Fonte: Douglas World Cruiser na Wikipédia

O Douglas Cruzador Mundial 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.
O voo partiu de Seattle em 6 de abril de 1924 e seguiu uma rota que atravessou 28 países e quatro continentes. O voo enfrentou muitos desafios, como mau tempo, problemas mecânicos e autoridades hostis. Um dos World Cruisers, Seattle, caiu no Alasca e outro, Boston, se perdeu no Oceano Atlântico. Os dois World Cruisers restantes, Chicago e Nova Orleans, completaram a viagem em 28 de setembro de 1924, depois de voar por 175 dias e cobrir mais de 26.000 milhas. O Douglas World Cruiser foi uma conquista notável que demonstrou a viabilidade e o potencial da aviação de longa distância.