Olmsted Model BLP Pusher Propeller, fixed-pitch, two-blade, wood
Charles M. Olmsted, a European trained physicist from Upstate New York, had an interest in flight from his early years. His success with gliders in the 1890's led to the formation of the Buffalo-Pitts-Olmsted Syndicate in 1910 to develop aircraft. Following failure of the related agricultural equipment manufacturing company, Olmsted formed the CMO Physical Laboratory, continuing to manufacture and sell his ultra-efficient propellers. Olmsted designs differed from other propellers, having a large surface near the blade base and very little surface at the tip. Olmsted's propellers represented a fundamental difference in design philosophy that has not been duplicated by any other designer.
Although intended for a Curtiss Flying Boat in 1915, this left-turning pusher propeller was apparently for test purposes or a factory reject, as the hub is very narrow and it was never finished. Aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, who broke world payload records in 1914 with Olmsted propellers, stated they were the best he had ever flown.
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
1911
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Designer
Charles M Olmsted
Manufacturer
Charles M Olmsted
Physical Description
Type: Two-blade, fixed-pitch, maple.
Diameter: 225 cm (88.5 in.)
Chord: 47 cm (18.5 in.)
Engine Application: Gnome Omega 7-cylinder, 37 kw (50 hp) rotary
Dimensions
Rotor/Propeller: 224.8 x 47 x 9.8 x 61 x 5.1cm (88 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 3 7/8 x 24 x 2 in.)
3-D: 221.6 x 36.8 x 61.3cm (87 1/4 x 14 1/2 x 24 1/8 in.)
Materials
Wood
Fabric
Steel
Paint
Maple
Ref: "Charles Olmsted, America's First Aeronautical Engineer,
and the Transatlantic Flying Boats," Garrett Olmsted, PhD
Professor of the History of Science and Technology and Social Science
Bluefield State College, Bluefield WV, unpublished manuscript, April 2005.
Inventory Number
A19690145000
Credit Line
Found in collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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