Object Details
Manufacturer
Pratt & Whitney
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, radial, 2-rows, air-cooled
Power rating: 1,342 kW (1,800 hp) at 2,800 rpm
Displacement: 35.7 L (2,180 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.75 in.) x 152 mm (6.0 in.)
Weight: 849 kg (1,870 lb)
Summary
Designed after World War II, the Twin Wasp E Series engine incorporated the best of what had been learned over the previous two decades. Aircraft manufacturers’ plans included a Douglas DC-3 replacement and a more powerful engine for the Douglas DC-4. To further the sale of the R-2180A engine and provide a power plant easily installed in the DC-4, Pratt & Whitney designed, built, and tested this R-2180 TWE-1.
Unfortunately, because the Douglas DC-6 and Lockheed Constellation were on the horizon, it was uneconomical to convert DC-4s to a more powerful engine, and the DC-3 replacement idea was superseded by a larger airplane requirement resulting in the Martin M-202 and Convair CV-240. Only the Swedish Saab Scandia emerged as a DC-3 replacement, using the R-2180 on a limited scale.
Pratt & Whitney built seventy five R-2180 Series E engines: 64 for Scandias, 10 direct drive versions for the Piasecki XH-16 helicopters, and this TWE-1, Serial No. P410003.
Credit Line
Gift of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
Date
Circa 1938
Inventory Number
A19550073000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel
Aluminum
Paint
Rubber
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Nickel Plating
Phenolic Resin
Felt
Paper
Adhesive
Grease Pencil
Dimensions
Overall: 1870lb. (848.2kg)
Other: 4 ft. 6 in. × 6 ft. 4 3/16 in. (137.2 × 193.5cm)
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_A19550073000