Дуглас Уорлд Крузер – Фото и Видео

Teh Дуглас Уорлд Крузер (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.

Источник: Douglas World Cruiser в Википедии

Teh Дуглас Уорлд Крузер 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.
Рейс вылетел из Сиэтла 6 апреля 1924 года и следовал по маршруту, который пересекал 28 стран и четыре континента. Полет столкнулся со многими проблемами, такими как плохая погода, механические проблемы и враждебные власти. Один из мировых крейсеров, «Сиэтл», потерпел крушение на Аляске, а другой, «Бостон», был потерян в Атлантическом океане. Оставшиеся два World Cruisers, «Чикаго» и «Новый Орлеан», завершили путешествие 28 сентября 1924 года, пролетев 175 дней и преодолев более 26 000 миль. Douglas World Cruiser стал замечательным достижением, продемонстрировавшим осуществимость и потенциал дальней авиации.