After the Civil War, thousands of talented scientists emigrated from Russia, whose knowledge later contributed to the development of industry in various countries. The USA was particularly fortunate, as it was able to attract leading Russian specialists in the field of aircraft construction. Among them was Vladimir Alexandrovich Klykov, a graduate of the Petrograd Polytechnic Institute, who worked on developing aircraft for naval aviation. Not accepting the ideas of the Bolsheviks, Klykov first emigrated to Finland and then moved to America.

Initially, he worked as a draftsman in engineering firms until he received an invitation from Douglas Aircraft. In the 1930s, this company was engaged in the production of bombers for the US Army and decided to develop civil aviation. In search of talented specialists, they noticed Klykov, who became a real find for them. With his involvement, the famous DC-3 aircraft, known as 'Douglas,' was designed.

This machine was distinguished by its high reliability and significant flight range, allowing it to cross the continental territory of the USA with three refuelings. During World War II, modified 'Douglas' planes were used for transporting troops and cargo. The aircraft became a legend of world aviation, and its serial production, including modifications and licenses outside the USA, exceeded 16,000 units. In the USSR, the DC-3 was produced under license as the Li-2.

As for Vladimir Klykov, he later moved to NACA, where he headed the flight safety committee. It was with his participation that the first astronauts were sent into space. If history had taken a different turn, perhaps Klykov would have worked with Korolev and sent not Americans into space, but Gagarin. However, history does not know the subjunctive mood.