When Orville Wright moved to Oakwood, Ohio in 1914, he became acquainted with his neighbor, George Hartzell. George's son, Robert, had a strong interest in aviation and was encouraged by Orville to begin making propellers at his father's walnut wood products business. Robert left the University of Cincinnati in 1917 to begin the propeller venture. The United States had just entered World War I and the war effort created an instant and almost unmanageable demand for Hartzell Walnut Propellers. Hartzell supplied propellers to nearby Dayton-Wright Airplane Company, as well as Glen Curtiss' company and other early aviation pioneers.

Hartzell has gone on to become a leading producer of modern propellers for general aviation and commercial aircraft.

 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 Hartzell Propeller Co.
 Physical Description Type: Two-Blade, Fixed-Pitch, Wood Diameter: 236.2 cm (93 in.) Chord: 16.5 cm (6.5 in.) Engine Application: Unknown Dimensions Rotor/Propeller: 236.2 x 17.8 x 10.8cm (93 x 7 x 4 1/4 in.)
Bolt Holes: 8
 Materials Wood
Copper Alloy
Aluminum
Steel
Varnish
Natural Fiber
Ink
 Inventory Number A19690130000 Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.