Harry and Martin Sensenich, Lancaster, Pennsylvania farm boys, constructed an air driven farm wagon using an old World War I aircraft engine and propeller. Lacking funds to repair the propeller following an accident, they borrowed tools from their father and built their own. From this experience, the Sensenich Brothers Company was born in 1932.
During World War II, with experience from volume production for military trainer aircraft, Sensenich became the largest manufacturer of wooden, fixed-pitch propellers for light aircraft. In 1948 the company also began producing metal-fixed-pitch propellers for general aviation. More recently Sensenich introduced ground adjustable composite propellers. Aircraft manufacturers using Sensenich propellers include Piper, Murphy, Diamond, Cessna, and Beech.
This artifact was used with the Fairchild PT-19 aircraft, and its PT-26 variant, pre-solo phase trainers for introducing new pilots to flying during World War II. These aircraft also served with the RAF, RCAF, and in many other countries throughout the world.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
United States of America
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Sensenich Brothers
Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 218.4 cm (86 in.)
Chord: 18.4 cm (7.25 in.)
Engine Application: Ranger L-440-3 for PT-19, L-440-7 for PT-26
Rotor/Propeller: 218.4 x 18.4 x 23.5 x 15.2 x 1.1 x 7.3cm (86 x 7 1/4 x 9 1/4 x 6 x 7/16 x 2 7/8 in.)
3-D: 218.4 x 17.8 x 15.2cm (86 x 7 x 6 in.)
Blade Length: 109 cm (43 in.)
Wood
Copper Alloy
Paint
Varnish
A19711217000
Donated by Mrs. Mary E. "Mother" Tusch
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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