This Week in Aviation History: June 23 - 27

The first refueling in mid-air (via hose) between two planes was successfully carried out.

June 27, 1923

The feat was accomplished over San Diego, California by two de Havilland DH-4Bs. The single-engine, bi-wing planes, flown by Capt. L. H. Smith and Lt. J. P. Richter, were capable of a maximum speed of 124 mph. American variants of the British de Havilland DH-4, the aircraft had a length of 29 ft, 11 in, a wingspan of 42 ft, 5.5 in, and a maximum weight of 4,600 lbs. The various American de Havilland models were the basis of the then-unincorporated American air forces, which upon entry into World War I, had no suitable combat aircraft.

Smith, who started his aviation career in the Mexican Army, was also the first West Coast flier to complete the Great Transcontinental Air Race, in 1917. The War Department Board would, in 1936, assign Smith the responsibility for the standardization of airplane design and procurement.

This Week in Aviation History

6/23/08

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