Object Details
Manufacturer
Mitsubishi Jukogyo K. K.
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 18 cylinders, 2 rows, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 1,641 kW (2,200 hp) at 2,900 rpm
Displacement: 41.7 L (2,546 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.5 in.) x 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Weight: 980 kg (2,161 lb)
Summary
Mitsubishi was the first and largest series producer of Japanese engines during World War II, with a 1937 Pratt & Whitney arrangement possibly contributing to this success. However, Mitsubishi did encounter difficulty later in the war when its designs were more independent. Development of this engine began in 1941, but only a small number were known to have been built before the war ended. The engine type incorporated fuel injection and fan cooling. And while there is no turbo-supercharger installed on this particular artifact, it was designed for it.
It powered two prototype Japanese twin-engine aircraft, the Tachikawa Ki-70 Army Experimental Command Reconnaissance Plane (Allied Code Name Clara) and Tachikawa Ki-74 Army Experimental Long Range Bomber (Allied Code Name Patsy). Neither of these aircraft became operational, and the engines, which were not fully developed, proved unreliable during flight tests.
Credit Line
Transferred from United States Army Air Forces
Date
Circa World War II
Inventory Number
A19670120000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Magnesium Alloy
Paint
Copper Alloy
Cadmium Plating
Rubber
Plastic
Porcelain
Dimensions
Diameter 123 cm (48.4 in.), Length 202 cm (79.5 in.)
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_A19670120000