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In the United States, the Requa Gibson Company of New York City, led by Hugh C. Gibson, became the first American propeller manufacturer in 1909. The company began by crafting copies of Chauviére designs, but it then pioneered distinctively American designs by E.W. Bonson. The success of this pioneer propeller manufacturer was short-lived, as the company went bankrupt in June 1911.

This Requa Gibson propeller was used by Professor David L. Gallup in experiments at Worcester Polytechnique Institute from 1911 to 1913. The Gallup whirling arm experiments were one of the first comprehensive attempts to test the efficiency of propellers in the world. In 1912 the same testing apparatus was used by MIT student Frank W. Caldwell, who went on to become a leader in the development of propeller technology in both government and industry.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Early Flight
Object Details
Date 1911 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers Designer E. W. Bonson
 Manufacturer Requa Gibson Company
 Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 189.2 cm (74.5 in.) Blade Width: 26 cm (10.25 in.) Engine Application: Unknown Dimensions Other (Blade): 10 1/4in. (26cm)
Rotor/Propeller: 189.2 x 13.3 x 1.3 x 3cm (74 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 1/2 x 1 3/16 in.)
 Materials Wood (Ash)
Varnish
Non-Magnetic White Metal
 Inventory Number A19300069000 Credit Line Gift of Alden Hydraulic Laboratory, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.