Any Ideas on this hanging in an English Pub

[Paul J]

picture attached

[Dave]

Hopefully Bob Gardner will chime in at some point, because I think he may have identified one of these in the past. My recollection is that it is an auxilliary prop of some kind, but I don't remember the specific application, and there were probably many similar looking props serving different functions.

There should be drawing numbers and other data stamped on the hub. If so, that information might be very helpful. Also, the measurement from tip to tip is important. The photo makes it difficult to assess its size.

[Bob Gardner]

I don't believe it's an aircraft propeller. It might be a test fan used to test newly assembled aircraft engines. More likely, if it's about 36 inches in diameter, it's an auxiliary prop used during WW2 and later to provide the power for a winch on a target tug. It was mounted inside the fuselage of target tug aircraft and deployed into the airstream to power the winch which let out or pulled in up to a mile of cable towing the drogue.

We need the dimensions and data stamped on the hub to offer any more advice.

With kind regards,

Bob

[Paul J]

Pub Proppellor sizes

Thanks

The length i.e. across the whole is 42 inches , the plate with 4 bolts is 4 inches and the bore hole is 5/8th "".

I hope this helps. Thanks Paul

[Bob Gardner]

Paul,

Many thanks. This confirms it is an auxiliary prop used on target tug aircraft.

Bob

[Paul J]

Pub Proppellor sizes

Thanks.a pint for you when you are in the Cotswolds next. Can you suggest what aircraft so the publican can frame a picture please. I have a modern one which I am thinking of donating to the pub....need to do some more research and pictures first. Best Regards Paul Jackson

[Bob Gardner]

Glad to help Paul.

I can't identify your prop to a specific type of aircraft. If you Google RAF Target Tugs you'll gets lots of info and a Wikipedia link is at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_tug

With kind regards,

Bob

[Paul J]

Thanks Bob Paul Jackson