Menasco Buccaneer B6S Inverted Engine, Charles A. Lindbergh, In-line 6 Engine

Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, in-line, inverted, air cooled

Power rating: 149 kW (200 hp) at 2,250 rpm

Displacement: 6 L (496 cu in.)

Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 130 mm (5.1 in.)

Weight: 180.5 kg (398 lb)

The Menasco Manufacturing Corporation was established in 1926 in Los Angeles. Between 1928 and 1929, the company began developing the first of a series of inverted, inline air-cooled engines that became its design hallmark. The advantages of this design included improved pilot visibility, a high propeller centerline, and streamlined, low-drag installation.

Company President Al Menasco had a personal interest in high performance engines, and 4- and 6-cylinder Menasco engines powered many small racing aircraft to victory in the 1930s. The supercharged Model B6S was type certificated in 1934. A B6S powered the Howard DGA-4 "Mike" aircraft, which raced successfully in the Thompson and Greve Trophy competitions. The engine displayed here powered a British Miles Mohawk owned by Charles Lindbergh and used by him on flights in Europe, India, and Asia in 1937 and 1938.