Samuel P. Langley's conducted aerodynamic research in association with the design and construction of his model and full-size aerodromes. During the 1890s, Langley mounted a substantial aerodynamic research program at the Smithsonian. This research included tests using a large whirling arm approximately 8.5 meters in diameter located on Smithsonian grounds in a building known as the West Shed. This research appears to have been performed expressly to gather design data to construct the Langley flying machines. This was in contrast to Langley's earlier aerodynamic work that was purely theoretical research, published in his 1891 book, Experiments in Aerodynamics.
Tests showed Langley that helical propellers made from solid wood were more efficient than blades constructed with a frame over which cloth was tightly drawn. However, it was found that cost and ease of repair made the latter type more practical. Furthermore, at the size required for Langley's Aerodrome A, solid wood propellers were too heavy.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
ca. 1900 - 1910
United States of America
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Samuel P. Langley
Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood and Fabric
Diameter: 200.7 cm (79 in.)
Chord: 53.3 cm (21 in.)
Engine Application: None
Rotor/Propeller: 200.7 x 53.3 x 8.9 x 10.5 x 2.9cm (79 x 21 x 3 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
3-D: 200.7 x 53.3 x 10.8cm (79 x 21 x 4 1/4 in.)
Wood
Natural Fabric
Steel
Adhesive
A19320021000
Transferred from the Smithsonian Institution
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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