Object Details
Manufacturer
Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corporation (Pratt & Whitney Aircraft)
Designer
Pratt & Whitney
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2-rows, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 820 kW (1,100 hp) at 2,550 rpm
Displacement: 32.8 L (2,000 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.8 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 680 kg (1,500 lb)
Summary
Founded in 1925 by Frederick Rentschler, who formerly was the president of Wright Aeronautical, Pratt & Whitney became the world’s biggest aero-engine company. By 1930, its first engines, the Wasp and Hornet had set many world records. Certificated in 1933, the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830 was a two-row radial that delivered up to 1,007 kW (1,350 shp), and opened a market unreachable for single-row engines.
Beginning in 1936, Pratt & Whitney focused on the R-1830 with single-stage and 2-stage or turbo-superchargers. The engine powered 89 types of military and commercial aircraft. Production totaled 173,618, more than any other aircraft engine. However, although a classic engine, it required the highest octane gasoline available. This was a drawback for the airlines, requiring Pratt & Whitney to build a larger Twin Wasp R-2180.
The R-1830-43 powered the: Consolidated B-24D/E/F/G/J/M, RB-24J, XB-41; Lockheed C-57; Convair C-87/A/B, XC-109, C-109; and Consolidated AT-22.
Credit Line
Found in the collection
Date
Circa World War II
Inventory Number
A19670007000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Dimensions
Overall: 1500lb. (680.4kg)
Other: 4 ft. 3/16 in. × 5 ft. 1 1/2 in. (122.4 × 156.2cm)
Storage (Stand): 6 ft. × 4 ft. 9 3/4 in. (182.9 × 146.7cm)
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_A19670007000