Douglas World Cruisers - 1924

Planning:

The selection of stops should be made with the important consideration in mind that flights of over 500 miles are very undesireable and, in fact, impossible for continuous flying on consecutive days, due to the fact that 500 miles is nearly seven hours flying, at the end of which time three or four hours must be consumed in servicing the airplanes. All of this work must be done during daylight.

Eighteen supply and repair depots were planned. Seven capable of major overhauls, minor repairs at the others. Spare engines were placed, based on replacing each engine after sixty flying hours.

Spare parts were packed in boxes made from spruce, ash, and plywood that could be used to make aircraft structural parts.

Gasoline was supplied by the Vacuum Oil Company (Mobile Oil) in five gallon cans. The cans needed to be lifted by hand from the ground or boats and filtered through a chamois skin over a funnel to fuel the planes. Each plane could hold 644 gallons (128 five gallon cans)

The World Cruisers had folding wings. It may have been a feature that the Douglas company wanted. When the planes were rolled out the factory door, their wings were folded, and they were towed by truck to Clover Field in Santa Monica.

Douglas World Cruisers Calendar 1924

Douglas World Cruisers Route 1924

Douglas World Cruisers:

Takeoff Performance

Daily Report by Lt. L.P. Arnold, Chicago Mechanic

The rough water and heavy wind made it possible to get off in 38 seconds, whereas in calm water it has often taken two minutes.

seattleworldcruiser.org/april-19th

First Lieutenant Erik H. Nelson

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Erik H. Nelson, U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. As assistant pilot of one of the planes and engineering officer for the Alaskan Flying Expedition in a flight from Mitchel Field, New York to Nome, Alaska, and return, from 15 July to 20 October 1920, Lieutenant Nelson exhibited fortitude, perseverance, courage, and skill, which aided materially in the successful completion of this pioneer flight to Alaska.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Erik H. Nelson, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Lieutenant Nelson, as pilot of Airplane No. 4, the "New Orleans," and Engineer Officer of the U.S. Army Air Service around-the-world flight from 6 April 1924 to 28 September 1924, displayed sound technical skill, initiative, untiring energy, and resourcefulness and succeeded in piloting his airplane throughout the voyage. His sound judgment, indefatigable energy, and courageous conduct in the face of extraordinary perils contributed largely to the success of this pioneer flight of airplanes around the world. In the efficient performance of his arduous duties he aided in the accomplishment of an exploit which brought great credit to himself and to the Army of the United States.

Douglas World Cruisers High Level Timeline