This artifact is from a collection of propellers used by Professor David L. Gallup in 1911 experiments conducted at the Alden Hydraulic Laboratory of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
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.
The propeller was manufactured by the Stupar Aero Works of Chicago. Max Stupar was an aviation pioneer who was involved in the manufacturing of many products including balloon components and aircraft.
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
Stupar Aero Works, Chicago, IL
Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 182.9 cm (72 in.)
Chord: 17.8 cm (7 in.)
Engine Application: Unknown
Rotor/Propeller: 182.9 x 17.8 x 9.5 x 3.2cm (72 x 7 x 3 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.)
Wood
Varnish
Overall: Wood
Properller: Laminated spruce
A19300070000
Gift of Alden Hydraulic Laboartory (Alden Hydraulic Laboratory is part of Worcester Polytechnic Institute)
National Air and Space Museum
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