The first D-558-1 Skystreak, bureau number 37970, completed its maiden flight on April 14, 1947, piloted by Eugene F. May. On August 20, 1947, Navy Cmdr. Turner F. CaIdwell set a new world air-speed record of 640.663 mph while flying the D-558-1 #1. Five days later, on August 20,. 1947, Marine Corps Maj. Marion Carl, while flying the second D-558-1, bureau number 37971 (NACA 141), broke CaIdwells
The Douglas M-2 was selected because it was far superior in strength, construction, performance, and flying characteristics to other aircraft entered in the Post Office Department’s competition for airmail airplanes. The M-2 was a single-bay biplane with the conventional form of axleless undercarriage. The fuselage, a truss of steel tubes and tie rods, was made in two detachable sections. The engi
By June 3, the American carriers were ready and had spotted the enemy troop transports. The next day the Japanese opened the battle with a strike on Midway. Meanwhile, a PBY Catalina had spotted the Japanese fleet and the U.S. carriers began to launch their aircraft. Because of the varying launch times and speeds of the different aircraft, the TBD torpedo planes were the first to attack the Japane
With the successful crossings of the Atlantic in 1919 by the U.S. Navy's NC-4 and the British flyers, Alcock and Brown, in a Vickers Vimy, the ambition to circumnavigate the globe by airplane was a natural next challenge. The British made an unsuccessful attempt in 1922. The following year a French team tried and failed, and another British effort was being organized, but was abandoned. The Italia
During the 1920s William J. Powell led a small group of black air enthusiasts in Los Angeles. He established the Bessie Coleman Flying Club in 1929 and sponsored the first all-black air show on Labor Day 1931. As part of his effort to make aviation accessible to African American students, he taught classes on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club. This drafting pen was among the equipment
During the 1920s William J. Powell led a small group of black air enthusiasts in Los Angeles. He established the Bessie Coleman Flying Club in 1929 and sponsored the first all-black air show on Labor Day 1931. As part of his effort to make aviation accessible to African American students, he taught classes on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club. This drafting pen was among the equipment