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With the successful crossings of the Atlantic in 1919 by the U.S. Navy's NC-4 and Alcock and Brown in a Vickers Vimy, circumnavigation of the globe by airplane was a natural next challenge. In July 1923, U.S. Army Air Service disclosed that it intended to attempt a global flight the following year. Four specially built aircraft were commissioned from the Douglas Aircraft Company. The World Cruisers, as they were called, were christened the Seattle, the Chicago, the Boston, and the New Orleans.

Only the New Orleans and the Chicago completed the arduous 44,085 km (27,553 mi) flight. It took 175 days, with a flying time of 371 hours 11 minutes. Throughout the journey the crews prevailed against an endless series of forced landings, repairs, bad weather, and other mishaps that continually threatened the success of the flight. A monumental logistical accomplishment, it was an important step toward world-wide air transport.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s) First Flight Around the World Brief Description The Douglas World Cruiser Chicago was one of two aircraft to make the first flight around the world. The U.S. Army Air Service commissioned four airplanes for the flight: Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans. Only the Chicago and New Orleans completed the flight. Date 1924 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
Physical Description Engine: Liberty V-12 (423-hp) Propeller: Martin Bomber propeller No. X-47315 Manufacturer: McCook Field Markings: Plane M.B.2-N.B.S.1, Standing RPM 1415, Part No. 047315, A.S. No. 24-62, Insp. No. 03454 (From a/c propeller) Separate single blade not associated with original receipt of aircraft, 62 7/8" (L), 11.5in., 11.25" (W) hub diameter, 7in. (H) Wingspan: 15.4 m (50 ft 6 in) Length: 11.2 m (35 ft 9 in) Height: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) Weight: 1,991 kg (4,380 lb) with wheels, 2,355 kg (5,180 lb) with pontoons Dimensions 3-D: 1089.7 × 396.2cm, 1858.8kg, 15.392m (35 ft. 9 in. × 13 ft., 4098lb., 50 ft. 6 in.)
Wingspan: 15.4 m (50 ft 6 in)
Length: 11.2 m (35 ft 9 in)
Height: 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
Weight: 1,991 kg (4,380 lb) with wheels,
2,355 kg (5,180 lb) with pontoons
Materials Wings: Sitka Spruce, Cotton Covering
Fuselage: Steel Tube, Sitka Spruce, Cotton Covering
Empennage: Sitka Spruce, Cotton Covering
Cowling: Aluminum
Alternate Name Douglas World Cruiser Chicago Inventory Number A19250008000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. War Department Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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