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This collection consists of over 260 blueprints of the Abrams Explorer.
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.2018.0079
Abrams Aircraft Corp
1937
Barbara Brown, Gift, 2018, NASM.2018.0079.
1.28 Cubic feet (1 container)
National Air and Space Museum Archives
This collection consists of over 260 blueprints of the Abrams Explorer.
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, NASM.2018.0079, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Aeronautics
Abrams Explorer
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Technical drawings