World Cruiser Travelers Flight Jacket

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Seattle World Cruiser Flight, this exclusive flight jacket is a tribute to this historic journey. The interior is adorned with photographs from the iconic flight, offering a unique glimpse into aviation history. The front of the jacket features a commemorative logo, while the two-tone design and soft polyester sleeves provide a stylish and comfortable fit. The front section is a water-repellant that shrugs off light rain and snow. Jacket is lightweight for multi-season use. Additional features include two front zippered pockets and a soft interior.

The 1924 Seattle World Cruiser flight was a significant event in aviation history, marking the first successful attempt to circumnavigate the globe by air. This ambitious journey was undertaken by the United States Army Air Service with the primary goal of demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance air travel and showcasing the capabilities of American aviation technology.

The idea for the flight originated in 1923, when the U.S. Army Air Service began considering the possibility of a global flight. Extensive planning and preparation were necessary to address the numerous logistical challenges, including the need for reliable aircraft, suitable flight routes, and arrangements for refueling and maintenance stops around the world. The Douglas Aircraft Company was contracted to modify their DT-2 torpedo bomber into a specialized aircraft for the mission, known as the Douglas World Cruiser (DWC).

Four Douglas World Cruisers were built for the expedition, each named after a city in the United States: Seattle, Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans. The aircraft were equipped with interchangeable wheels and floats to allow for both land and sea landings. The flight crews consisted of two men per aircraft, including a pilot and a mechanic.

“Seattle” Piloted by Major Frederick Martin (flight commander) and Staff Sergeant Alva Harvey.

“Chicago” Piloted by Lieutenant Lowell H. Smith and Lieutenant Leslie P. Arnold.

“Boston” Piloted by Lieutenant Leigh Wade and Sergeant Henry Ogden.

“New Orleans” Piloted by Lieutenant Erik Nelson and Lieutenant Jack Harding.

The Journey

The journey began on April 6, 1924, when the aircraft took off from Sand Point, near Seattle, Washington. The route would take them across North America, the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and back to the United States. The flight was divided into multiple legs, with planned stops for refueling, maintenance, and rest.

North America to Europe: The first leg took the aircraft from Seattle to Prince Rupert, Alaska, and then across Canada to Greenland and Iceland, before reaching Europe.

Europe to Asia: After crossing Europe, the aircraft flew through the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and China.

Asia to North America: The final leg involved flying across the Pacific, with stops in Japan, the Aleutian Islands, and Alaska, before returning to Seattle.

The flight was not without its challenges. The original lead aircraft, Seattle, crashed in Alaska on April 30, 1924, due to poor weather and visibility. Major Martin and Sergeant Harvey survived but were unable to continue. The remaining three aircraft pressed on, overcoming obstacles such as mechanical failures, severe weather conditions, and logistical difficulties.

Despite these challenges, the journey was a success. On September 28, 1924, after 175 days and covering approximately 26,345 miles, the Chicago, Boston, and New Orleans returned to Seattle, completing the first circumnavigation of the globe by air. The accomplishment was celebrated as a major milestone in aviation history and demonstrated the potential of aircraft for long-distance travel.

The success of the 1924 World Cruiser flight had a lasting impact on aviation. It provided valuable experience in planning and executing long-distance flights, contributed to advancements in aircraft technology, and boosted public confidence in the future of air travel. The Douglas World Cruiser aircraft used in the flight became iconic symbols of early aviation achievements, and the journey remains a significant chapter in the history of aviation exploration.