Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
heart-solid My Visit Donate
Home Smithsonian Institution IK development site for ODI
Press Enter to activate a submenu, down arrow to access the items and Escape to close the submenu.
    • Overview
    • Museums and Zoo
    • Entry and Guidelines
    • Museum Maps
    • Dine and Shop
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Group Visits
    • Overview
    • Exhibitions
    • Online Events
    • All Events
    • IMAX & Planetarium
    • Overview
    • Topics
    • Collections
    • Research Resources
    • Stories
    • Podcasts
    • Overview
    • For Caregivers
    • For Educators
    • For Students
    • For Academics
    • For Lifelong Learners
    • Overview
    • Become a Member
    • Renew Membership
    • Make a Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Overview
    • Our Organization
    • Our Leadership
    • Reports and Plans
    • Newsdesk
heart-solid My Visit Donate

Allison V-1710-33 (V-1710-C15), V-12 Engine

Air and Space Museum

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
  • Side view of blue metal engine. Propeller nose noticeably lengthened, holes with glass coverings along the side, silver wiring.
  • Side view of blue metal engine. Propeller nose noticeably lengthened, holes with glass coverings along the side, silver wiring.
  • Angled view of the back of blue metal engine. Black leather cushion on the top of the engine. Silver dials and screws.
  • Aerial view of top of blue metal engine. Two long black cushions linked together and a gray netting over the back of the engine.
  • Angled view of front of blue metal engine. Lengthened nose, silver crank shaft, and screws on the front.

    Object Details

    Manufacturer

    Allison Division, General Motors Corporation

    Designer

    Norm Gilman

    Physical Description

    Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, liquid cooled
    Power rating: 776 kW (1,040 hp) at 2,800 rpm
    Displacement: 28 L (1,710 cu in.)
    Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.5 in.) x 152 mm (6 in.)
    Weight (dry): 608 kg (1,340 lb)

    Summary

    In 1937 the Allison V-1710 became the first American engine to qualify at 1,000 horsepower for the new 150-hour military type test. The V-1710-C was also the first in the “long nose” series that provided a basis for later improved and higher powered versions. Allison designers created the long nose by extending the propeller shaft about 30 centimeters (12 inches) to maximize streamlining.
    The Allison V-1710 powered most U.S. Army fighters in World War II, including the Lockheed P-38, Bell P-39 and P-63, Curtiss P-40, and early North American P-51s. The V-1710-C15 (military designation V-1710-33) powered the Curtiss P-40, P-40A, B, and C pursuit aircraft.

    Credit Line

    Lent by Allison Division, General Motors Corporation

    Date

    1939

    Inventory Number

    A19420027000

    Restrictions & Rights

    Usage conditions apply

    Type

    PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

    Dimensions

    Length 250.3 cm (98.54 in.), Width 74 4 cm (29.29 in.), Height 106.4 cm (41.88 in.)

    Country of Origin

    United States of America

    See more items in

    National Air and Space Museum Collection

    Location

    Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA

    Hangar

    Boeing Aviation Hangar

    Data Source

    National Air and Space Museum

    Metadata Usage

    Not determined

    Link to Original Record

    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv99149ad93-6479-411f-b723-5e424519d801

    Record ID

    nasm_A19420027000

    Discover More

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

    Image of Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine

    Propulsion

    arrow-up Back to top
    Home
    • Facebook facebook
    • Instagram instagram
    • LinkedIn linkedin
    • YouTube youtube

    • Contact Us
    • Get Involved
    • Shop Online
    • Job Opportunities
    • Equal Opportunity
    • Inspector General
    • Records Requests
    • Accessibility
    • Host Your Event
    • Press Room
    • Privacy
    • Terms of Use