Charles M. Olmsted, a European trained physicist from Upstate New York, had an interest in flight from his early years. His success with gliders in the 1890's led to the formation of the Buffalo-Pitts-Olmsted Syndicate in 1910 to develop aircraft. Following failure of the related agricultural equipment manufacturing company, Olmsted formed the CMO Physical Laboratory, continuing to manufacture and sell his ultra-efficient propellers.
Olmsted propellers had a significant role in aviation history, including weight carrying records and the first transatlantic aircraft flight, but differed from other propellers, having a large surface near the blade base and very little surface at the tip. Olmsted's propellers represented a fundamental difference in design philosophy that has not been duplicated by any other designer.
This particular left-turning pusher propeller was used in over-power testing, resulting in a glue joint opening up, and was donated to the museum by the designer along with other artifacts.
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
Charles M Olmsted
Physical Description
Type: Two-blade, fixed-pitch, maple, pusher propeller, used in over-power testing.
Diameter: 255.3 cm (100.5 in.)
Chord: 69.9 cm (27.5 in.)
Engine Application: Unknown
Dimensions
Rotor/Propeller: 255.3 x 69.9 x 15.9 x 56.8cm (100 1/2 x 27 1/2 x 6 1/4 x 22 3/8 in.)
3-D: 251.5 x 43.2 x 54.6cm (99 x 17 x 21 1/2 in.)
Materials
Wood
Steel
Paint
Plastic
Adhesive
Natural Fabric
Inventory Number
A19310019000
Credit Line
Gift of Charles M. Olmsted, Designer and Builder to the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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