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Supercharger System, NACA Roots-Type

Air and Space Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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  • Full view of a rounded gray structure with a pattern of inlaid squares. There are gray rivets in the structure, two golden tubes, and two silver circles with copper cylinders sticking out of them. There is also a black plaque with brass writing on it.
  • Close up view of a black plaque on a gray structure. The plaque reads N.A.C.A Roots Type Supercharger, Model 25, No. 1 US, Ratio 3 T 0 1, Built by Allison Engineering Co, Indianapolis, Indiana

    Object Details

    Manufacturer

    Allison Division, General Motors Corporation

    Physical Description

    Engine driven supercharger; twin shaft central compression design; system includes supercharger, 1 intercooler, 4-ducts, 1 lever, and 9 exhaust stacks; has 4 mount brackets.

    Summary

    This supercharger (Serial No. 1) was installed in the Wright Apache XF3W-1, Bureau No. 7223, flown by Apollo Soucek in 1930 when he made a world record altitude flight to 43,166 ft over Washington, D.C. This is a NACA. Model 2E Roots-type blower case built by the Allison Engineering Company for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics. It is one component of the supercharging system that also included an air intake duct (or scoop), a driveshaft, intercooler, and exhaust. This system was connected to a Pratt & Whitney Wasp R-1340B engine that powered the XF3W-1 aircraft, and it made possible the high-altitude record.

    Credit Line

    Transferred from the Navy Department, Bureau of Aeronautics

    Inventory Number

    A19350010000

    Restrictions & Rights

    Usage conditions apply

    Type

    PROPULSION-Accessories (to an Engine)

    Materials

    Supercharger - Magnesium alloy

    Dimensions

    3-D: 43.8 × 50.8 × 39.4cm, 45.8kg (1 ft. 5 1/4 in. × 1 ft. 8 in. × 1 ft. 3 1/2 in., 101lb.)

    Country of Origin

    United States of America

    See more items in

    National Air and Space Museum Collection

    Location

    National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

    Exhibition

    Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight

    Data Source

    National Air and Space Museum

    Metadata Usage

    Not determined

    Link to Original Record

    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9f4596644-2ad6-4975-bacc-35da5de65269

    Record ID

    nasm_A19350010000

    Discover More

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

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