Douglas Cloudster

Douglas · United States · first flew 1921 · transport aircraft

The Douglas Cloudster was the first aircraft designed and built by the Douglas Company, completed in 1921 to attempt a nonstop transcontinental flight across the United States. Although it was forced to land in Texas due to engine trouble, it demonstrated the potential of large single-engine biplanes.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	11.2 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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First aircraft completed by the Douglas company in 1921
Biplane configuration with a single Liberty engine
Made the first nonstop flight from Los Angeles toward New York (forced to land in Texas)

Large single-engine biplane with a deep fuselage, a single Liberty V-12 engine in the nose, and conventional wood-and-fabric construction typical of early 1920s American aircraft.

Specifications

The Douglas Cloudster has a length of 11.2 m (37 ft).
It has a wingspan of 17.04 m (56 ft).
Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Donald Douglas designed the Cloudster for sportsman-aviator David Davis, who commissioned a transcontinental flight attempt. After the failed crossing, the aircraft was sold and converted for passenger use by T.C. Ryan before eventually serving as a barnstorming and joy-ride aircraft. It was the direct predecessor of the Douglas World Cruiser.

Variants

Only one Cloudster was built; it was modified post-sale to carry passengers but no production series followed.

Where you'll see it

Operated privately in the United States; later used by Ryan Airlines for early passenger service on the Los Angeles–San Diego route.

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