Roots-Type Supercharger System (Soucek)
This supercharger system was installed in the Wright Apache XF3W-1, Bureau No. 7223 flown by Apollo Soucek on record altitude flights over Washington, D.C. It included a N.A.C.A. Model 2E Roots-type blower case built by the Allison Engineering Company for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics. This is one component of the supercharging system that included an air intake duct (or scoop), intercooler, driveshaft, blower, and exhaust. This system was connected to a Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340B engine that powered the XF3W-1 aircraft, and it made possible the high-altitude records achieved.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.