[Interior of Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft used by U.S. Army Air Forces Tropical Science Mission]

Photograph of the interior of a Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft (tail number 5559) used by the U.S. Army Air Forces Tropical Science Mission, Kiangwan Airfield, China, circa 1940s.

Typed on verso: "Interior view of the C-54 Douglas Skymaster, 'Flying Laboratory' of the U.S. Army Air Forces Tropical Science Mission which recently landed at Kiangwan Airfield, Shanghai, for a stopover on its 40,000 mile trip around the equator. The mission is engaged in scientific studies to determine the effects of fungi and tropical weather on Army Air Forces equipment and supplies. Note the special lighting effects and the pneumatically sealed tanks which are used in the collection and preservation of cultures and specimens. The mission started on its journey from Wright Field, Ohio and has visited the Hawaiian Islands, Canton Island, the Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, Biak, the Philippines, Guam, Saipan, Iwo Jima and the Islands of Japan. Before returning to Wright Field on its around-the-world flight, scientific studies will be made in the Middle East, Africa, South America and the Panama Canal Zone. The mission is under the command of Lt. Colonel Nimmo C. Thyson of the U.S. Air Technical Service Command. The scientific staff is under the direction of Dr. Kenneth G. Compton, supervisor of the research department of the Bell Telephone Laboratories. (Official USAAF Photo)."