Gabriel and Charles Voisin were among Europe's leading pioneer aviators. Their classic 1907 pusher biplane was one of the most significant aircraft of the pre-World War I era. In 1912, they developed a military version. Thereafter they built aircraft almost exclusively for military contracts. The Voisin 1912 Type launched the standard configuration of almost all Voisin aircraft throughout the war. The design philosophy was conservative, with only slight, incremental design changes during the war. Improvements principally consisted of installing more powerful engines, usually necessitating wings of greater span. The Voisin Type 8 entered service with French night bombing squadrons in 1916.
NASM's Voisin Type 8 is the oldest surviving aircraft specifically designed as a bomber. When manufactured it was equipped as a night bomber, with internal bomb racks, cockpit lights, and provision for landing lights.
This propeller was originally installed on NASM's Voisin, but was removed in 1991 during the restoration.
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
France
Type
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Manufacturer
Voisin Aeroplane Co.
Physical Description
Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 352 cm (138.6 in.)
Chord: 26 cm (10.2 in.)
Engine Application: Le Rhone 9C
Dimensions
3-D (Propeller and Hub): 350.5 × 25.4 × 17.8cm, 20kg (11 ft. 6 in. × 10 in. × 7 in., 44lb.)
3-D (Aluminum Pallet Storage): 370.8 × 91.4 × 38.1cm, 81.2kg (12 ft. 2 in. × 3 ft. × 1 ft. 3 in., 179lb.)
Materials
Wood
Varnish
Copper
Inventory Number
A19190007005
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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