Airplane Rudder Skin

In addition to splints, Ray and Charles developed prototype airplane parts for the US Navy. Using the Eames proprietary plyform process, they molded and laminated plywood into aerodynamic forms for planes. This long, slightly rounded construction would cover the internal framework of the steering rudder positioned at the back of a plane. At almost seven feet tall, the plywood skin resembles a monumental modern sculpture. Photographs taken by Robert Matter the same year this prototype was made highlight the clean lines and graceful curvature of the plane parts designed by the Eameses. Their formal elegance shows no evidence of the complexity of their manufacture. These oversized elements prompted the Eameses to build a larger Kazam! machine that could handle pieces up to 11 feet long.