Wooden Prop

[LysanderV8]

I am hoping that some of you more knowledgable folks out there can help me trace the type of aircraft which a wooden propeller that I own once adorned.

The 2 bladed prop is approx 8ft long and was made by the Airscrew Company. It is marked Merlin 990HP and dated 1939. I know that the Spitfire Mk1 had a Merlin II engine, which I believe was 990HP, and I also understand that the first 77 production Mk1s initially had 2 bladed props. However, I think that these would have been earlier than 1939, probably the second half of 1938.

There are other inscriptions on the prop, ie AID162, AID N21, Z5230 and Watts Drag N.

If anyone can throw any light on this, I should be most grateful.

Cheers

Lysander

[stevef]

Interesting! Maybe you could try:

Airscrew Limited.
111 Windmill Road
Sunbury on Thames
Middlesex
TW16 7EF
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1932 765 822
Fax: +44 1932 761 098
Email: [email protected] ([email protected][email protected]&subject=enquiry%20from%20www.aerospace-technology.com%20Ref://396)
URL: www.airtechnologygroup.co.uk (http://www.airtechnologygroup.co.uk/)

They're no longer involved with propellers but their tech records archivist might be able to come up with something.

I've done some light research on this but came up with little more than you mentioned, only that the fixed pitch props fitted to the Spitfire before the Airscrew installation were manufactured by De Havilland. You probably know that the AID inscriptions relate to Aeronautical Inspection Directorate standards; as for the Watts Drag N reference, I can only guess that it refers to dynamometer tests.

The prop's totally worthless in my opinion. Tell you what, I'll give you a tenner, just to take it off your hands. :)

[LysanderV8]

Thanks for that Steve. I did not know what AID stood for. An e-mail will be winging its way to Airscrew.

Add a couple of zeros and I might consider the offer ;)

Lysander

[Agaricus bisporus]

I think the RAF Museum at Hendon keep archives that cover prop serial numbers. Give them a try.

[LysanderV8]

OK, thanks A B

[stevef]

I found a little more information on your prop in passing, Lysander. The Technical Director of the Airscrew Company at Weybridge was Dr HC Watts, hence the Watts drag reference.

Steve.

[JDK]

Pre-war wooden two bladers on the Hawker Hurricane (like a Spitfire, but less glamourous, and shot down more e/a than all the other defences combined in the BoB :rolleyes: ) were known as Watts propellors.

[m5dnd]

JDK "the Hawker Hurricane (like a Spitfire, but less glamourous, and shot down more e/a than all the other defences combined in the BoB"


Well said that man !!

DND

[XOC47ADSQN]

Hi Lysander,

Have you found what aircraft your prop is from? The Spit props have drawing nos from 5234 to 5242 and a diameter of 10ft 8ins. Hurri props are in the series 3895-3897 and have a diameter of 11ft 3ins.

With regards,

Bob