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This is an original propeller from the "June Bug," an airplane designed by Glen H. Curtiss and other members of the Aerial Experimental Association. It was named by Dr. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone and the Association's founder, after a beetle known in North America as the June bug because it flew similarly to aircraft. Piloted by Curtiss, the aircraft won the Scientific American Trophy and $25,000 on a flight exceeding a distance of 1 kilometer (0.625 mile) on July 4, 1908 at Hammondsport, New York.

The June Bug was later modified by adding floats to it in an attempt to create a seaplane, renamed Loon. Unfortunately it could not take off, and on January 2, 1909 one of the floats filled with water, causing the aircraft to sink. The propeller was presented as a souvenir by Curtiss to Hugh L. Willoughby, a wealthy aviation pioneer, who donated it to the Smithsonian in 1939.

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

Date

Circa 1908

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers

Manufacturer

Glenn H. Curtiss

Physical Description

Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood
Diameter: 160.3 cm (63.125 in.)
Chord: 19.7 cm (7.75 in. )
Engine Application: Curtiss air-cooled V8, 30 kw (40 hp)

Dimensions

3-D: 160 × 19.7 × 15.2cm, 2.3kg (5 ft. 3 in. × 7 3/4 in. × 6 in., 5lb.)
Storage (Aluminum Pallet): 191.8 × 122.6 × 86.4cm, 90.7kg (6 ft. 3 1/2 in. × 4 ft. 1/4 in. × 2 ft. 10 in., 200lb.)

Materials

Unidentified wood, Steel, Paint

Inventory Number

A19390019000

Credit Line

Gift of Hugh L. Willoughby

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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