Propelled by wartime demand, Douglas Aircraft Company produced numerous planes and fighter jets for the United States Navy during World War II. The BTD Destroyer, developed by Edward Heinemann and his team, was a new, faster high-performance torpedo bomber. The single-seater plane featured a laminar flow gull-wing, tricycle undercarriage, a bomb bay and under-wing racks along with larger bomb storage capacity (3,200 lbs) and two defensive 20mm cannons. This new aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 334 miles per hour at an elevation of 16,000 feet.
Prior to production of the BTD Destroyer, the Douglas Aircraft Company studied the aerodynamic forces of the aircraft in motion through the use of this wind tunnel model. Constructed from cast and riveted aluminum and enameled steel, measuring seven feet in length with a wingspan of eight feet, this model enabled Heinemann and his team to explore, among other things, the affects of velocity, pressure, density and temperature on the aircraft. With moveable parts and features not included in the planes final design, this wind tunnel model was essential to the creation of the BTD Destroyer.
As a tool of design many wind tunnel models were not saved after testing was completed; this work now functions as an artifact documenting achievements within the aircraft industry. This example is the first wind tunnel model to be offered at auction, and the sale of this item provides a rare opportunity to collect a piece of American history.
Douglas Aircraft Company
BTD Destroyer wind tunnel model
USA, 1944
cast and riveted aluminum, enameled steel
104 w x 87 d x 53 h inches
Estimate: $20,000–30,000
Condition is consistent with use as a working model where numerous modifications were being made - thus there are burnishing marks the metal in various spots. The propeller is missing, one landing gear wheel appears to be missing or may been removed for testing, small flap on back left tail wing is missing, front gun appear to be replaced. Plane rests on metal base that may not be original. Plane weighs approximately 600 pounds.
