Rare WW2 RAF Laminated Wood Four Blade Generator Propeller used on Target Tug Aircraft

Here on offer is a very rare original WW2 RAF laminated wood four blade Generator Propeller, used on target tug aircraft.

This beautifully made, small 24” diameter propeller is in excellent condition with just a few minor dings to the blades and a tiny slither missing from the tip of number 3 blade.

Each blade has been made to a set angle from four laminated wood layers.

The whole propeller was varnished to ensure it was weather proof and the original finish remains.

On one side the central boss has the individual blade numbers 1 to 4 stamped into the wood.

On the other side of the boss it shows two circular markings, one seems to read F.T.5 and the other A/D WSO? The WSO is hard to read.

In between blades 2 and 3 is clearly stamped with the propeller DRG drawing number, reference numbers and a clear Crowned A.M (Air Ministry) mark.

The Propeller measures 24” (61cm) diameter, 2.75’ (7cm) thick and weighs 790g.

This small sized propeller makes a great and practical display piece of WW2 RAF memorabilia.

I can only find one other similar propeller for sale that is slightly larger, but they are asking for THREE times the price I am offering this one for!

Wikipedia states that these propellers where used to power a drogue winch, that was used by target tug aircraft, such as a Boulton Paul Defiant TT Mk III.

WW2 RAF target tug aircraft towed an unmanned drone, a fabric drogue or other kind of target, for the purposes of gun or missile target practice.

Target tugs are often conversions of transport and utility aircraft, as well as obsolescent combat types. Some, such as the Miles Martinet, were specially designed for the role.

It was, and is, a relatively hazardous job, as live fire is typically employed and the people doing the shooting are usually still in training.

The student fighter pilots or air gunners would shoot at the target from other aircraft using painted bullets so that hits could be recorded and later analysed.

In the RAF, Miles Master IIs were used for this purpose as part of the Target Towing Flight at the Central Gunnery School whilst the School was based at RAF Sutton Bridge from April 1942 to March 1944.
Other aircraft used in this role were the Hawker Henley, the Boulton Paul Defiant and the Westland Lysander, although the RAF was by no means the only air arm to use target tugs.


During WW2 the RAF used aircraft including the Hawker Henley, the Boulton Paul Defiant and the Westland Lysander as target tugs. The chief modifications to these aircraft were a station for the drogue operator and a winch to reel in the cable prior to landing.
The winch was typically powered by a small wind-turbine on the outside of the aircraft, driven by the airflow and attached to the winch via a clutch.

Such devices are still used by some aerial refuelling tankers to retract the refuelling hose after the operation is completed.
The drogue would often be jettisoned at some location convenient for recovery prior to the aircraft's landing.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

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Thanks for taking the time to look.

Code: 50306