This is a patent model for an improved skyrocket invented in 1865 by John W. Hadfield of Newtown, New York. The rocket features three reversible, metal, triangular wings. The wings were turned in when the rocket was packed for shipping, and turned out when it was ready to be fired. They were secured to the rocket body by a clamp. The ordinary fireworks rocket of the day was equipped with a long wooden guidestick lashed to its side. This cumbersome arrangement made such rockets difficult and expensive to transport. Hadfield’s patent did not claim the wings’ originality. Rather, he came up with a way to make the wings reversible, yet insure a controlled flight of the rocket compared with those stabilized with guidesticks. However, it does not appear that Hadfield's improvement was adopted by others.
Alan D. Dunphy gave this patent model to the Smithsonian in 1983.
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
1865
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
John W. Hadfield
Dimensions
Overall: 12 x 1in diameter. (30.48 x 2.54cm)
Materials
Cardboard body; sheet iron fins
Inventory Number
A19830020000
Credit Line
Gift of Alan D. Dunphy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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