When the United States entered World War I, the Army’s Technical Advisory Board committed to an ambitious aviation production program. The program involved establishment of a dedicated military aeronautical research and development facility to be operated by the newly formed Engineering Division of the United States Army Air Service at McCook Field in Dayton.

The propeller unit was the first Engineering Division branch to open at McCook in December 1917. It dealt with enhancing the efficiency and durability of propellers for military aircraft. Because the goal for the propeller program was approval for service use, testing ensured that contractors manufactured products according to predetermined specifications. The type of construction, materials including wood laminates and glue, and finish could be evaluated.

This propeller was used on the Lepère, a French designed U.S. Army World War I fighter built by in America by Packard. Very few of the Liberty powered aircraft were manufactured before the war ended.

 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
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Manufacturer McCook Field
 Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 320 cm (126 in.) Chord: 27 cm (10.63 in.) Engine Application: Liberty L-12 Dimensions Rotor/Propeller: 320 x 27 x 30.5 x 21 x 1.3 x 7.9cm (10 ft. 6 in. x 10 5/8 in. x 12 in. x 8 1/4 in. x 1/2 in. x 3 1/8 in.)
3-D: 320.7 x 30.8 x 20.3cm (10 ft. 6 1/4 in. x 12 1/8 in. x 8 in.)
Bolt Holes: 8
 Materials Wood
Paint
Copper Alloy
 Inventory Number A19690137000 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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