Pratt & Whitney Showcase

To celebrate Pratt & Whitney's centennial, the New England Air Museum commissioned two exhibit pieces to be part of a larger display: The P&W factory floor reproduction, and the parts case. With a tight turnaround, these two exhibits needed flawless execution to be ready in time for a fundraiser.

The floor is a replica of the Pratt & Whitney factory floor, made of real 4x6 end-grain lumber tiles stained black to mimic the creosote treatment that would have been standard at the time. Trimmed with stained 2x4s for a clean look, the entire effect is visually stunning. The case is a visual showcase of the makeup of a Hornet engine. It is designed to highlight the intense amount of thought, engineering, and design that goes into each small part of a larger system. The pieces are from the Museum’s collection, artfully arranged on a laser-engraved image of a real P&W assembly drawing of a Hornet.

Both pieces are designed to be visual only, a diorama-style display that is behind a stanchion, offering a glimpse into the world of Pratt & Whitney 100 years ago. Still, both are sturdy enough for visitor interaction.