Object Details
Manufacturer
Erco
Designer
Harold E. Morehouse
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, Inverted, in-line, 4 cylinders, air cooled
Power rating: 48.5 kW (65 hp) at 3,500 rpm
Displacement: 1.9 L (116 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 82.55 mm (3.250 in.) x 88.9 mm (3.500 in.)
Weight: 71.7 kg (158 lb)
Summary
ERCO I-L 116
In late 1938, the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) searched unsuccessfully for a suitable engine for its new “safe” airplane, the Ercoupe. ERCO hired Harold E. Morehouse, former engineer in charge of small engine design at Continental Motors, to design a new engine. He came up with the inverted, in-line I-L 116, which provided good pilot visibility and enhanced aircraft streamlining.
ERCO installed the I-L 116 in the prototype Ercoupe Model 310 in 1939. The engine performed well, but ERCO discontinued it when Continental introduced the A65 engine in 1940, which generated comparable horsepower at half the cost. ERCO manufactured parts for six I-L 116s but built only three. This one is believed to be the last remaining example.
Gift of Norman F. Carden III, Executive Director, Ercoupe Owner's Club
Type:reciprocating, inverted in-line, 4 cylinders, air cooled
Power rating:48.5 kW (65 hp) at 3,500 rpm
Displacement:1.9 L (116 cu in)
Weight:71.7 kg (158 lb)
Manufacturer:Engineering and Research Corp., Riverdale, Md.
A19860023000
Credit Line
Gift of Norman F. Carden III, Executive Director, Ercoupe Owner's Club
Date
1939
Inventory Number
A19860023000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Dimensions
Length 88.6 cm (34.875 in.), Width 42.2 cm (16.625 in.), Height 51.3 cm (20.1875 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
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19860023000