~ WW 1 BE2c Biplane Four Blade Propeller ~
A four blade propeller from a B.E.2c (Blériot Experimental) biplane powered by a RAF 1A Aero 60 hp (45 kW) air-cooled Renault V-8 engine.
This airplane was a British single-engine two-seat biplane and was in service with the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) from 1912 until the end of World War I.
This four blade wooden propeller was made by the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough in the United Kingdom. It is built up from seven laminations of 3/4 inch planks.
The blades retain their original canvas covered tips, which are painted in dark green.
The central hub has eight bolt holes to attach it to the engine propeller shaft.
The hub has the following information stamped into the wood, the information includes details on dimensions and information about the engine speed of the aircraft.
- 'T7448', 'D2770', 'P3090'(propeller serial numbers and type)
- 'RAF1A' (engine type),
- 'G938' (engine number),
- 'N51' (airplane number),
- 'BE2c' (airplane type).
Also there are four different size 'AID 95Y' (air inspection department) test marks and a 'A' with a broad arrow stamped on it.
On the reverse of the hub is a number for each blade from 1 to 4.
This is the first time I have had a four blader, an exceptionally rare piece.
We are happy to quote for transit overseas.
~ Dimensions ~
The blades individual length is 47 inches (109.5 cm). The hub's engine shaft fitting has an exterior diameter of 6.2 inches (16 cm) and interior diameter of 2 inches (5 cm). The depth of the inner fitting cylinder is 4 inches (10 cm).
The width of the hub is 9 inches (23 cm).
The propeller measures 109 inches (277 cm) from tip to tip.
~ Condition ~
The propeller is in average vintage condition. The painted canvas coating to the blade is generally good with wear and loss to the edges and top.
The hub is in is good used condition with some bruising and scratching.
~ History ~
About 3,500 "Bleriot" were built. Initially used as front-line reconnaissance aircraft and light bomber, variants of the type were also used as night fighters. After its belated withdrawal it finally served as a trainer, communications aircraft and on anti-submarine coastal patrol duties.
The B.E.2c was a major redesign which was the result of research by E.T. Busk and was intended to provide an inherently stable aeroplane. This was considered desirable to allow the crew's full attention to be devoted to reconnaissance duties.
The B.E.2c used the same fuselage as the B.E.2b, but was otherwise really a new type, being fitted with new wings of different plan form, increased dihedral, and forward stagger. The tailplane was also completely new. Ailerons replaced the wing warping of the earlier models, and a triangular fin was fitted to the rudder. On later machines this fin was enlarged, to reduce a tendency to swing on takeoff, and to improve spin recovery. After the first few aircraft, production machines were powered by a development of the Renault engine, the RAF 1a, and the twin skid undercarriage was replaced by a plain "V" undercarriage. A streamlined cowling to the sump was also fitted to later models, while a cut-out in the rear of the center section marginally improved the observer's field of fire, as well as giving the pilot a better view forward over the wing.
PQCBE0
