1946 Press Photo Russian Air Hero and Aide Map Upcoming Artic Flight - nox29457

Russian air hero and aide map Arctic flight Downey, California - To blaze a new air trail over the uncharted frozen wastes of the upper Arctic regions, Sigismund A. Levenevsky, outstanding air hero of the Soviet Union, and his assistant, Victor L. Levchenko, will leave Southern California shortly, bound for Moscow via a route farther north than any ever attempted before. The 10,000 mile flight is to be made purely in the interest of studying aerological conditions in high latitudes, the flyers stated. Their plane, a single-motor Vultee V.I.A. transport type being built here, will be powered by a Wright cyclone engine of 820-horsepower. With a wing spread of 50 feet, the plane will have a top speed of 235 mph, cruising range of 2000 miles and weigh 9250 pounds fully loaded. The ship will be equipped for operation on wheels, pontoons, or skis, with quick change facilities for transferring one to another. The plane is to accommodate 2 pilots and 8 passengers. The crew on the projected flight consists of pilot, co-pilot, and radio operator. The ship will be equipped with special sun compass for operation above the Arctic Circle where a magnetic compass is considered of little value. Also, latest radio direction finding devices for navigation and special radio for long distance communication. Photo shows: Sigismund Levenevsky, Soviet air hero (right) and his assistant and navigator, Victor I. Levchenko, shown examining a map of a proposed flight from Southern California across uncharted Arctic wastes that will terminate in Moscow, Russia. Their specially constructed plane is near completion here.

Photo is dated 1946.

Photo measures 7 x 9.25 inches.