The Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propeller introduced in the 1930s was a significant advance over the counterweight, controllable pitch propeller. Application of oil pressure to both sides of the actuating piston provided increased capacity and the capability of feathering or unfeathering by a single control knob. Reverse pitch permitted shortened landing roll.

With this advance, Hamilton Standard became the primary propeller manufacturer for the Allies during World War II. Virtually the entire front-line inventory, from multiengine bombers to fighter and transport aircraft, as well as a significant majority of RAF aircraft, employed Hydromatic propellers. Hamilton Standard and its three licensees--refrigerator manufacturers Frigidaire and Nash-Kelvinator, and office equipment maker Remington-Rand--produced 530,135 Hydromatic propeller assemblies during the war.

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

Hamilton Standard

Physical Description

Type: Three-Blade, Constant-Speed, Metal
Diameter: Unknown
Chord: Unknown
Engine Application: Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1830-92

Dimensions

Storage: 289.6 x 335.3 x 29.2cm (114 in. x 11 ft. x 11 1/2 in.)
Other (Pitch Change Regulator): 25.4 x 20cm (10 x 7 7/8 in.)
Other (Spinner): 26.7 x 38.7cm (10 1/2 x 15 1/4 in.)
Other (Hub Diameter): 27.9cm (11 in.)

Materials

Aluminum (blades)
Steel (hub and hardware)
Paint
Spinner:Aluminum; Steel (handle)
Pitch Change Regulator:
Aluminum
Steel

Inventory Number

A19601414000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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