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Upcoming
Events
May 3 & 4, 2008
Alaska State Aviation Trade Show &
Conference
Anchorage, AK
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| The
Seattle II Project |
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| Seattle World Cruiser
Project Requirements |
| Design and Upgrades |
The goal of the
Seattle World Cruiser is to fly around the world. Safety and reliability
are, of course, paramount issues. The 1924 Douglas World Cruiser was,
in itself, a successful and durable design, and became the basis for
several follow-on contracts with the Navy and commercial operators.
That being said,
the Liberty V-12 engine, of Hull and Vincent fame, was, even in 1924,
holding back engine progress by virtue of its huge numbers as a cheap
war surplus engine. In its day, the V-12 was a fine powerplant for the
World War I DeHavilland DH4 aircraft built on contract in this country.
But, on an aircraft equipped for long flights, as in the 1924 circumnavigation,
the V-12 was stretched to its limits.
Naturally, the engine was our first focus for upgrading. We will restore a Liberty V-12 engine for exhibition and museum display. For the world flight, adaptations to modern engines of similar 350-400 horsepower are under consideration.
Another major area for upgrading is the fuselage. The Douglas World
Cruiser of 1924 was a redesign by Donald Douglas and Jack Northrup of
a successful Navy torpedo-carrying float plane. In this transition,
the fuselage moved from a combination tube-and-wire-trussed wood affair
to an all-tubing assemblage with some adjustable, metal tie rods. We
will replace the tie rods with tubing. Ease, cost, strength, as well
as reliability of modern materials and methods, motivate this use of
a unified fabrication approach.
Where the original aircraft had a basic electrical system for starter
and running lights, we will add to this a state-of-the-art avionics
package, as required in the international aviation environment. Also,
to accommodate modern landing facilities, we will replace the tail skid
with a wheel and install brakes on the main landing gear.
Edo metal floats with water rudders will be used instead of the original
non-steerable wooden pontoons. Durability of metal floats and better
hydrodynamic design will better serve the Seattle World Cruiser on its
world flight.
The original aircraft's cover material was cotton. This
fabric was organic and the paints used were very flammable. When wet,
the cover would sag and distort the airfoil. The water also added considerable
weight to the aircraft, degrading performance. In the sun, the old fabric
would dry out and tighten, again distorting the airframe. Additionally,
the original fabric was prone to rot, requiring replacement many times
during an aircraft's lifetime. New materials and processes have led
to the development of long-lasting, durable covers and finishes, which
are non-flammable. These, we will use.
This outline is not complete but does address major elements which demonstrate
our approach to this fascinating reproduction project.
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We have extensive research materials, both historic and structural,
and will be working from original drawings and photographs. Our building
approach will be guided by the philosophy that the success of the world
flight will be based on reliability and safety.
Our goal in this process is to maintain visual authenticity. We will
use all aircraft certified materials, hardware, parts, and accepted
aviation techniques. For example, we will use 4130 aircraft steel tubing,
aircraft quality glues, modern polyfiber fabrics, non-flammable paints,
and certified "AN" hardware and fasteners. Other elements that constitute
reliability and safety concerns will be chosen for their history and
suitability to these goals.
We have developed a fabrication and assembly checklist that will be
used in conjunction with our building schedule. This process will be
documented with photos and logbook entries which correlate with inspection
sign-offs.
We are fortunate to have assembled a unique staff of FAA certified mechanics
and inspectors, assisted by aircraft builders and designers from the
commercial, experimental, and antique aircraft restoration fields. With
this highly skilled and motivated team, the Seattle World Cruiser is
assured of meeting schedule and flight goals. Please join us in celebrating
this unique historical event. |
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