This is one of a number of old propellers chosen by the museum's earliest curator, Paul Garber, from a collection at the Langley Field installation of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in 1931. Although it was somehow identified as a Lavasseur (France) product, there is no marking to confirm its manufacturer. Both Lavasseur and Paragon (U.S.), for example, used blades with pronounced a S-shaped planform that twisted the blade as thrust levels changed.

The accession file notes without attribution that the propeller was used on the Spad VII aircraft. It is known that Levasseur built Spad XIII aircraft, but apparently did not build the Spad VII.

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 France Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Manufacturer Levasseur, France
Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 243.8 cm (96 in.) Chord: 21.6 cm (8.5 in.) Engine Application: 134 kw (180 hp), Hispano-Suiza Dimensions Rotor/Propeller: 243.8 x 21.6 x 18.4 x 19.1 x 1.3 x 5.7 x 20.3 cm (96 in. x 8 1/2 in. x 7 1/4 in. x 7 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. x 8 in,)
Materials Wood
Varnish
Steel
Paint
Inventory Number A19320047000 Credit Line Gift of National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics, Langley Field, Hampton, VA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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