Introduction: The Start of an Aviation Legacy
In 1927, Phillips Petroleum took the aviation world by storm, providing a high-octane fuel for the historic Dole Air Race from California to Hawaii. This iconic event not only marked a significant breakthrough for the company but also established Phillips as a forward-thinking force in both aviation and the oil industry. This is the story of how Phillips' high-octane gasoline powered Woolaroc, the race-winning monoplane, and the broader influence this had on aviation and fuel technology.
The Dole Air Race: Phillips Petroleum Steps into the Sky
The Dole Air Race of 1927 offered a $25,000 prize to the first airplane to complete a 2,400-mile journey from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii—a flight fraught with high winds, open-sea navigation, and limited technology. Among the competitors was Arthur Goebel, a daring pilot backed by Phillips Petroleum and equipped with their specially crafted “Nu-Aviation Gasoline.” The airplane, named Woolaroc after Phillips' ranch in Oklahoma, soared above the Pacific and crossed the finish line, claiming victory after 27 hours of flight.
High-Octane Fuel Innovation
Phillips’ high-octane fuel was specially designed to withstand the demands of long-distance, high-altitude flight. Unlike standard gasoline of the era, which was prone to instability, Phillips’ aviation fuel could sustain powerful performance across extended distances. This innovation meant Goebel’s Woolaroc had a reliable fuel source that improved engine efficiency, reduced fuel waste, and allowed for consistent speed—all crucial factors in the transoceanic race.
#FunFacts About the Woolaroc and the Dole Race
1. Origins of the Name: The Woolaroc was named after Frank Phillips’ ranch in Oklahoma, a combination of “woods, lakes, and rocks.”
2. Race Challenges: Of eight aircraft that attempted the flight, only two successfully finished. Tragically, three planes disappeared, highlighting the risks involved in early aviation.
3. Flight Duration: The Woolaroc completed the race in 27 hours, 17 minutes, and 33 seconds, a testament to both Goebel’s skill and the fuel’s quality.
Phillips Petroleum's Growing Legacy
Phillips Petroleum continued to push boundaries in aviation fuel, introducing the “Phillips 66” brand in 1930, a name that became synonymous with high-quality fuel. During World War II, Phillips’ advancements supported the production of 100-octane aviation fuel, essential to military efforts. Expanding from these roots, Phillips delved into chemicals and plastics, eventually becoming part of ConocoPhillips after a major merger in 2002. This growth reflected the company’s pioneering spirit and adaptability, traits first demonstrated during the Woolaroc’s legendary flight.
Lasting Impact on the Aviation and Petroleum Industries
The success of Woolaroc was more than just a race win—it set the foundation for fuel innovation in aviation, shaping the standards for performance and safety. The legacy of Phillips Petroleum lives on in Bartlesville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, where the Woolaroc monoplane is preserved. The impact of Phillips’ advancements in aviation fuel continues to influence both commercial and military aviation today, marking an enduring legacy in both the petroleum and aviation sectors.
Conclusion
Phillips Petroleum’s high-octane fuel innovation not only won the Dole Air Race in 1927 but also fueled the company’s expansion into a powerhouse in energy, aviation, and petrochemicals. The Woolaroc’s success story exemplifies how an oil company’s vision and investment in fuel technology could pioneer new frontiers and shape industries for generations.
To learn more check out: VT-0531 Dole AIr Race
Sources
1. American Oil & Gas Historical Society. “Flight of the Woolaroc.” Accessed [here].
2. Wikipedia. “Phillips Petroleum Company.” Accessed [here].
3. Wikipedia. “Dole Air Race.” Accessed [here].
4. Hawaii Department of Transportation, Airports Division. “Arthur C. Goebel: Aviation Pioneer.” Accessed [here].
5. This Day in Aviation. “16 August 1927.” Accessed [here].
7. San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Dole Air Race Artifacts.” Accessed [here].
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