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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.

Loaned to the Sperry Gyroscope Co for testing in 1916, this left-turning pusher propeller is similar to those of the famous Curtiss-Wanamaker America flying boat, and those ordered by the British Admiralty for World War I service on other Curtiss aircraft based on the America design.

 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 1916 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Designer Charles M Olmsted
 Physical Description Type: Two-blade, fixed-pitch, maple. Diameter: 245 cm (98 in.) Chord: 53.3 cm (21 in.) Engine Application: Curtiss OX-5 Dimensions Rotor/Propeller: 248.9 x 53.3 x 7.6 x 64.8 x 2.5cm (98 x 21 x 3 x 25 1/2 x 1 in.)
3-D: 249.6 x 41.9 x 64.8cm (98 1/4 x 16 1/2 x 25 1/2 in.)
 Materials Wood
Steel
Paint
Paper
Ink
 Inventory Number A19690142000 Credit Line Found in collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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