ON THE ENDURANCE FLIGHT, 1931
| FUEL CARRIED ON THE ENDURANCE FLIGHT, 1931 |
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| The planning equalled that of today's NASA experts. The engine, a standard production model in
every respect, had been given the extra attention all motors receive when they are to go into special planes. The best mechanics were
picked to assemble it, each part was carefully selected and inspected. After it was built, it was given an extra long "jacking" (run-in),
where it was turned over by an electric motor, not under its own power. This gave the pistons and rings a chance to wear themselves
in thoroughly. Next it was put on the dynamometer stand and run under its own power slowly for several hours, then gradually faster
and faster, until it was wide open. Fuel and oil consumption tests were taken at various speeds and its horsepower noted. These
records were analyzed, curves were plotted and used later during the flight to insure the best possible operation conditions.
Walter recorded the following items and weights. |
| 2400 40 350 25 53 36 43 50 45 -------- 3042 |
Airplane Chutes Pilots Food Equipment Batteries Belly Tank Board for Holding Cans Water Airplane & Equipment |
188 Gal. 260 Gal. 60 Gal. ------------ 508 Gal. 10 Gal. 8 Gal. 32 Gal. ------------ 50 Gal. 508 50 ------------ 558 |
wing tanks 52 5-gal. cans Belly tank Fuel #2 oil 5, 2-gal cans in oil tank 16 2-gal #5 Lub oil Fuel Oil Lub.Oil Gals. Total |
| In his report, after the flight, Walter wrote: "Although we had hoped to stay up and land with about a quart of fuel left, we decided to let well enough alone and land before any squall hit us which might wreck the landing. Therefore, just at dark, with enough fuel left for about four hours, we landed with 84 hours and 32 minutes to our credit." 
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