Hi all, today I joined this forum to learn more about WW2 aircraft and identification of parts. I collect militaria as well, am active with metal detecting and live in the Netherlands. I have a question: I was offered in France during a trip last week a propellor blade from a B17, but it seems to be quite long: ca. 184 cm / 72.5". Surface is alloy, not blackened, yellow tip. It looks old, the bottom was sheered of but the prop is not twisted just slightly bend. My question is, with a length of 184cm, what aircraft could it be from? Any clues, hints or ideas? Help is much appreciated. I don't have a photo anymore due to a phone crash. Thank you in advance for any help!! Ivar
What aircraft? Only info: propellor blade length 184cm, silver colored, yellow tip.
- Thread starter IdG
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U.S. combat aircraft did not use silver (non-painted) propellers, they were all painted black. Stateside training aircraft could/would use non-painted propellers.
This B-17 left the factory with black painted propellers, but once it was assigned to stateside duty when the props needed changed on engine #3, #4 non-painted props were installed.
This B-17 left the factory with black painted propellers, but once it was assigned to stateside duty when the props needed changed on engine #3, #4 non-painted props were installed.
- Thread starter
- #3
Hi MJFUR, thanks for your very informative reply with the fantastic image! Absolutely great. In 2 months I will return there and will check for any remains of black paint but I doubt sincerely it was on there. I am gutted my phone crashed, the guy also had a flare gun and a damaged .50 all presumably from the same aeroplane. Thanks again for your reply and sharing your knowledge!! Ivar
Michael Hope
Airman 1st Class
- 241
- Jun 28, 2016
You say the blade you haver is about 72 inches in length, which would the propeller at least 12 feet in diameter. That would eliminate the B-17, B-24, DC-3/C47, early models all used the same Hamilton Standard blade in a tooth pick, or later as a paddle type blade, and they all had a maximum propeller diameter of 11 foot 6 inches.
Propellers that were 12 feet or over over were like the P-47, C-54, Lancaster among others.
If you can get images of the blade that would help to identify it.
Also if you get the width of blade say 30 inches from the yellow painted tip, I can use some information that I have access to try and confirm the blade.
If you are able to get the direction of rotation it would help to determine if it was a US, which were mainly a right rotation, or left hand rotation for some British aircraft.
Propellers that were 12 feet or over over were like the P-47, C-54, Lancaster among others.
If you can get images of the blade that would help to identify it.
Also if you get the width of blade say 30 inches from the yellow painted tip, I can use some information that I have access to try and confirm the blade.
If you are able to get the direction of rotation it would help to determine if it was a US, which were mainly a right rotation, or left hand rotation for some British aircraft.
