In mid-1911, Harry Atwood and Charles Hamilton flew a Burgess Model F Moth aircraft from Boston to Washington, setting a 737.9 km (461.2 miles) flight distance record. Stops included New London, New York, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City. Disparity between the 14 hour flight time and 12 day trip is probably not surprising considering contemporary aircraft development and operational and logistical support. Subsequently, Atwood landed on the White House lawn and was decorated by President Taft with the Aero Club of America's gold medal.

The Model F Moth, a copy of the Wright Model B, is a pusher airplane powered by a Wright Vertical 4 engine driving two propellers. This is believed to be an original left hand propeller, damaged landing near Baltimore and replaced by propellers made by the American Propeller and Manufacturing Company. It is one of a 21 propeller collection donated to the museum in 1930 by the American Propeller and Manufacturing Co, Baltimore.

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

1911

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers

Manufacturer

Atwood-Wright

Designer

Wright Company (Dayton, Ohio)

Physical Description

Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wooden propeller. Diameter: 259.1 cm (102 in.) Chord: 29.5 cm (11.625 in.). Engine Application: Wright Vertical 4

Dimensions

Rotor/Propeller: 259.1 x 29.5 x 12.7 x 4.4 x 12.7cm (102 x 11 5/8 x 5 x 1 3/4 x 5 in.)

Materials

Wood
Coating

Inventory Number

A19300031000

Credit Line

Gift of American Propeller & Manufacturing Co.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
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