Object Details
Designer
Lawrance Aero Engine Corp
Manufacturer
Wright Aeronautical
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 149 kW (200 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Displacement: 12.9 L (787 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 202 kg (445 lb)
Summary
Charles Lawrance, originally a race car engine designer, built his first air-cooled aircraft engine in 1921 for a Navy contract. The J-1 was the first practical American radial and satisfied a Navy need for a compact lightweight engine for use on aircraft carriers, not plagued with water leakage problems.
Used in aircraft such as the Curtiss TS-1, the engine had superior performance, weighed less, and was easier to maintain than liquid-cooled engines in comparable aircraft. With encouragement from the Navy, Lawrance merged with Wright, and the J-1 developed into the famous Whirlwind series. Despite its higher initial cost relative to other engines available at the time, the Whirlwind’s reliability and lower operating cost resulted in widespread use.
The most famous Wright Whirlwind application was the 1927 New York-to-Paris flight of Charles Lindbergh. In 1928, Charles Lawrance was awarded the Collier Trophy for the outstanding performance of his engines based on records set in 1927.
Credit Line
Gift of the University of California, Berkeley
Date
Circa 1922
Inventory Number
A19860286000
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Wood, Paint, Preservative coating
Dimensions
Other: 43 1/2 x 42in. (110.5 x 106.7cm)
Approximate (Weight on stand): 365.1kg (805lb.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19860286000