An early predominant manufacturer in the United States, Spencer Heath's American Propeller and Manufacturing Company opened in Baltimore in 1909. Heath was first to use machines for mass production of aircraft propellers and, under the Paragon trademark, these were widely used in World War I. Like most propellers of that era, construction was a wood laminate because of light weight, strength, fabrication ease, and resistance to fatigue in a vibrating and flexing environment.

Heath demonstrated the first "engine-powered, engine-controlled, variable and reversible pitch propeller" in 1919, but was unsuccessful in convincing the Army of the practicality of the concept. He sold the company to the Bendix Corporation in 1929 and retired from aeronautics two years later.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Date 1914-1939 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Manufacturer American Propeller and Manufacturing Company
Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 265.4 cm (104.5 in.) Chord: 16.5 cm (6.5 in.) Engine Application: Unknown Dimensions 3-D: 252.7 x 19.1 x 15.2cm (99 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 6 in.)
Materials Wood
Paint
Varnish
Copper Alloy
Steel
Natural Fabric
Inventory Number A19300041000 Credit Line Gift of American Propeller & Manufacturing Co. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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