"G"-Whiz: The Mayo Clinic Banshee

[Dan K]

I'd imagine that even many of our international forumites are familiar with the Mayo Clinic, founded (and still headquartered) in the city of Rochester, Minnesota.

What may be less well known is the role Mayo Clinic played in aero-medical research in the 1930s and '40s.

Part of that history involves Douglas A-24, 42-6684, borrowed from the USAAF to test early g-suit technology and christened "G"-Whiz.



Below, the "G"-Whiz keeps the skies over southeastern Minnesota farmland safe for democracy. The missing cowl flap is noteworthy...perhaps the primary motivation for taking this pic.






During its service at Mayo Clinic, the "G"-Whiz was hangared at the former Lobb Field, located at the far southeastern edge of Rochester. In the first pic, note the water tower in the distance shaped like an ear of corn. This water tower still stands, illuminated each night by a multitude of spotlights--much in the same way it has been since the '30s as a navigational aid for flight crews.













What appears to be the 91st mission symbol (the letter "G") being added to "G"-Whiz's scoreboard.





Most of the pics included are screen grabs from a short (18 min.) documentary, "Reaching New Heights: Secret Stories of the Mayo Clinic Aero Medical Unit". Vintage aircraft footage in both b&w and color can be found throughout this vid. WIXers are invited to watch at the link:

https://history.mayoclinic.org/books-fi ... ical-unit/

[Chris Brame]

[mike furline]

Why the double-bubble engine cowl?

[Archer]

Did they perhaps need a source of pressurised air for the G-suits? That could have led to an extra accessory on the engine with an air intake or two.

[quemerford]

Agreed: I'd say twin compressors.