Object Details
Manufacturer
Nakajima Hikoki K. K.
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2 rows, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 843 kW (1,130 hp) at 2,750 rpm
Displacement: 27.8 L (1,700 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.1 in.) x 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Weight: 590 kg (1,301 lb)
Summary
Nakajima provided Japan with its first large radials by building licensed Bristols beginning in the late 1920s. In 1936, Nakajima also began building Gnome-Rhone engines under license. This engine powered early models of the Mitsubishi Reisen (Zero) fighter, the most famous Japanese World War II aircraft. However, Nakajima’s own World War II designs were apparently not considered very good.
The Sakai 31 powered the A6M6, later model of the Mitsubishi Zero fighter. This was a Mitsubishi designed and water-methanol boosted engine assigned to Nakajima for production. But this version of the Mitsubishi engine suffered from teething problems, and workmanship on both the airframe and engine deteriorated in latter stages of the war.
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
Date
Circa World War II
Inventory Number
A19710920000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metals
Rubber
Paint
Dimensions
Overall: 3 ft. 9 1/4 in., 1300.7lb. (115cm, 590kg)
Other: 3 ft. 9 1/4 in. × 5 ft. 4 3/16 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 5 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 8 in. (115 × 163 × 132.1 × 162.6 × 111.8cm)
Country of Origin
Japan
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19710920000