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.
Identifier
NASM.2018.0080
Creator
Abrams Aircraft Corp
Date
1938-1940
Provenance
Mr. and Mrs. P. R. Cleary, Gift, 2007, NASM.2018.0080
Extent
0.31 Cubic feet (Two oversized folders)
Archival Repository
National Air and Space Museum Archives
Scope and Contents
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.
Arrangement note
No arrangement.
Rights
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.
Restrictions
No restrictions on access
Citation
Abrams Explorer Drawings [Cleary], NASM.2018.0080, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Topics
Aeronautics Abrams Explorer Aerial photography -- Equipment and supplies