Storage (Aluminum Pallet): 165.1 × 122.6 × 76.2cm, 185.5kg (5 ft. 5 in. × 4 ft. 1/4 in. × 2 ft. 6 in., 409lb.)
Type:
PROPULSION-Propellers & Impellers
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Physical Description:
Type: Three-Blade, Variable-Pitch, Metal
Diameter: 179.1 cm (70.5 in.)
Chord: 40.6 cm (16 in.)
Engine Application: Allison T-38 turboprop
Summary:
The artifact was used in a research project to determine the feasibility of propeller propulsion at supersonic aircraft speeds. The research vehicle was a supersonic capable McDonnell XF-88 airplane modified by the installation of an Allison T-38 turboprop engine in the nose.
This is one of the Curtiss propellers of varying diameter that were tested. The airplane was instrumented to provide both force data and slipstream-survey data. The survey data provided information relative to section operation, that is, the radial distribution of power absorption and thrust; and was the first time that section efficiencies were measured on propellers at supersonic flight speeds.
A conclusion of the project was that a “strong case” could be made for long-range transonic turboprop transports using the tested propellers, although history to date has shown that these speeds could not be accomplished in commercially viable aircraft.
Credit Line:
Gift of the National Advisory Council for Aeronautics.
