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The artifact was used in a research project to determine the feasibility of propeller propulsion at supersonic aircraft speeds. The research vehicle was a supersonic capable McDonnell XF-88 airplane modified by the installation of an Allison T-38 turboprop engine in the nose.

This is one of the Curtiss propellers of varying diameter that were tested. The airplane was instrumented to provide both force data and slipstream-survey data. The survey data provided information relative to section operation, that is, the radial distribution of power absorption and thrust; and was the first time that section efficiencies were measured on propellers at supersonic flight speeds.

A conclusion of the project was that a “strong case” could be made for long-range transonic turboprop transports using the tested propellers, although history to date has shown that these speeds could not be accomplished in commercially viable aircraft.

 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
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
 Physical Description Type: Three-Blade, Variable-Pitch, Metal Diameter: 179.1 cm (70.5 in.) Chord: 40.6 cm (16 in.) Engine Application: Allison T-38 turboprop Dimensions 3-D (Larger Hub): 58.1kg (128lb.)
3-D (Smaller Hub): 49.9kg (110lb.)
3-D (Metal Plate): 36.8 × 36.8 × 3.2cm, 6.4kg (1 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 1/4 in., 14lb.)
3-D (Round Metal Gear): 23.5 × 23.5 × 5.7cm, 4.5kg (9 1/4 × 9 1/4 × 2 1/4 in., 10lb.)
3-D (Bag of Cortec): 6.8kg (15lb.)
3-D (Misc. Items): 2.7kg (6lb.)
Storage (Aluminum Pallet): 165.1 × 122.6 × 76.2cm, 185.5kg (5 ft. 5 in. × 4 ft. 1/4 in. × 2 ft. 6 in., 409lb.)
 Materials HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel, Preservative coating, Aluminum alloy, Textile, Rubber, Copper Alloy
 Inventory Number A19590017000 Credit Line Gift of the National Advisory Council for Aeronautics. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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