Ernest G. McCauley was a foremost pioneer in in the aircraft propeller industry, receiving a reward for outstanding service to the U.S. Government from 1918 to 1950. He held numerous patents on controllable propellers. The McCauley Aviation Corporation of Dayton, OH was founded in 1938. During World War II, McCauley produced 20,000 conventional ground-adjustable solid steel propellers. The company was bought by Cessna in 1960, which later became part of the Textron Corporation in 1992.

This fixed pitch propeller (trade-name "MET-L-PROP"), developed in 1947, was the first all metal propeller for use on light airplanes of the Cessna and Piper Cub class. It is forged in one piece, including the hub, of aluminum.

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

Date

1947

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers

Manufacturer

McCauley Industrial Corp.

Physical Description

Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Metal
Diameter: 180.3 cm (71 in.)
Chord: Unknown
Engine Application: Continental A-65-8

Dimensions

3-D (Propeller): 182.9 × 7.6 × 15.2cm, 8.2kg (6 ft. × 3 in. × 6 in., 18lb.)
3-D (Hexboard Storage): 205.7 × 22.9 × 17.8cm, 10kg (6 ft. 9 in. × 9 in. × 7 in., 22lb.)
Rotor/Propeller: 180.3 × 6.4 × 13.7cm (5 ft. 11 in. × 2 1/2 in. × 5 3/8 in.)
Rotor/Propeller (Shaft Hole Diameter): 8.3cm (3 1/4 in.)

Materials

Non-magnetic white metal
Paint
Preservative Coating
Vinyl/Plastic
Adhesive

Inventory Number

A19580112000

Credit Line

Gift of Ernest G. McCauley

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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