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This collection consists of copies of six Abrams Explorer drawings, 1938-1940.
The Abrams Explorer, built in 1937, was the only one ever created and was uniquely designed for aerial survey and mapping functions. By featuring obstruction-free camera platforms, Abrams Aircraft CEO Dr. Talbert Abrams planned to market the plane to the United States armed forces for surveys, mapmaking, and aerial photography. The aircraft was successfully tested and used for government contract survey work until the beginning of the war when the military opted for more survivable, converted high-speed fighter aircraft for photo reconnaissance. Dr. Abrams lent the Abrams Explorer to the National Air Museum in 1948, and it was officially donated in 1973.
NASM.2018.0080
Abrams Aircraft Corp
1938-1940
Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Cleary, Gift, 2007, NASM.2018.0080
0.31 Cubic feet (Two oversized folders)
National Air and Space Museum Archives
This collection consists of copies of the following six Abrams Explorer drawings: two 3 views— the one from 1938 is 36 by 40 inches and the one from 1940 is 36 by 44 inches; Balance Table - Table 4, is 23 by 17 inches; Balance Diagram is 17 by 36 inches; Side Elevation of Fuselage is 36 by 59 inches; and Side Elevation of Fuselage Covering is 36 by 59 inches.
No arrangement.
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
No restrictions on access
Abrams Explorer Drawings [Cleary], NASM.2018.0080, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Aeronautics
Abrams Explorer
Aerial photography -- Equipment and supplies
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Technical drawings