Obruchev Sergei - Flying over the Eastern Arctic (1933)(original edition)

Flying over the Eastern Arctic

By Sergei Obruchev (1933)

1934 LENINGRAD

PUBLISHED BY THE ARCTIC INSTITUTE OF THE SOVIET UNION

Author: Sergei Vladimirovich Obruchev (1891–1965), Soviet geologist and explorer, a pioneer in the exploration of Siberia and the Arctic.

Organisers:

• Arctic Institute of the USSR (headed by Otto Schmidt);
• Komseverpout (Commissariat for the Northern Sea Routes);
• Union of Geologists (Soiuzgeorazvedka);
• Vostokzoloto (Eastern Gold Company).

At the time, the Soviet Arctic Far East (Chukotka, Koryakia, Sea of Okhotsk) was:

·       little or not at all mappedB (particularly the areas between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Indigirka and Kolyma rivers);

·       inaccessible by landB (lack of roads, rugged terrain, extreme climate);

·       Strategic for the search for natural resources (gold, oil, coal), Soviet sovereignty over the Arctic and the geological understanding of the connection between Asia and America.

🛠️ The Aircraft: The Dornier-Wal ‘H1’; a monohull seaplane (amphibious, capable of landing on water or land); 2 tandem engines of 600 chevaux (i.e. 1,200 hp  in total); Cruising speed: 150–180 km/h; Range: 8–10 hours (with full fuel tanks); Crew: 6 people (2 pilots + 4 scientists/technicians).

Unique features: Hull made of duralumin (a lightweight, high-strength alloy); Lateral floats (‘Foldable wings’ for transport); 3 cabins: Widespread corrosion of the duralumin (the equivalent of rust in aluminium); Hull bottom punctured during a landing on snow in 1930 (rescue mission for the American pilot

Route: Krasnoyarsk → Irkutsk → Lake Baikal → Khabarovsk → Sea of Okhotsk → Kamchatka → Chukotka → Wrangel Island → Anadyr

Total distance: Over 10,000 km (including 8,000 km in flight). Duration: 3 months (June–September 1932).

🗺️ Geographical and Scientific Contributions

1. Cartography:
• First accurate map of Chukotka and North-East Siberia;
• Correction of errors in existing maps (e.g. the Parapolsky Dol was not a mountain range);
• Discovery of glacial lakes (e.g. Maïna-Pilgyn);
• Mapping of mountain ranges (e.g. the Koriakie Plateau);
2. Geology:
• Evidence of plate tectonics:
• Separation between Kamchatka and the mainland (tectonic rift);
• Link between Asia and America (via the Bering Strait);
• Mineral resources:
• Gold (tributaries of the Kolyma);
• Oil (traces in the rocks);
• Coal (sedimentary basins);
3. Meteorology:
• Study of fog in the Sea of Okhotsk;
• Observation of drift ice (current dynamics);
4. Biology:
• Arctic fauna:
• Seals, walruses, beluga whales;
• Brown bears, arctic foxes, reindeer;
• Flora: Tundra, marshes, larch forests;

🚁 Contributions to Polar Aviation

1. Proofs of feasibility:
• First long-distance flight in the Arctic using a heavy seaplane (Dornier-Wal);
• Adaptation to extreme conditions (fog, snow, wind);
2. Innovative techniques:
• Low-level flying (10–20 m above the water) to avoid clouds;
• Landings on lagoons (areas without runways);
• In-flight repairs (e.g. a blocked hose plugged with a rag);
3. Lessons for future expeditions:
• Need for reliable engines;
• Importance of logistics (fuel, spare parts);
• Pilot training for polar conditions;

🤝 Humanitarian Contributions

1. Wrangel Island rescue:
• Delivery of 200 kg of food supplies;
• Evacuation of 6 people (including the sick);
• Prevention of a famine (4th consecutive winter without resupply);
2. Support for local populations:
• Transport of medicines;
• Logistical support (e.g. transport of equipment for trading posts);
3. Strengthening ties between Moscow and the Arctic:
• Initial contact with isolated villages;
• Raising awareness of the importance of aviation for the region’s development;

• Obruchev became a key figure in Soviet Arctic exploration;
• The Dornier-Wal proved its reliability for polar missions;
• Wrangel Island was saved, and the Soviet presence in the Arctic was strengthened;
• The data collected served as a basis for future expeditions (e.g. Papanin’s expeditions in the 1930s);
• The account inspired generations of explorers and scientists;