Object Details
Manufacturer
Studebaker Corporation
Designer
Wright Aeronautical
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 895 kW (1,200 hp) at 2,500 rpm
Displacement: 29.88 L (1,823 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 155.6 mm (6.125 in.) x 174 mm (6.875 in.)
Weight (dry): 595 kg (1,310 lb)
Summary
Developed in 1927 with a rating of 429 kW (575 hp), the Wright Cyclone air-cooled engine gained favor among aircraft builders because of its high fuel economy, long service life, easy and economical maintenance, and low weight/horsepower ratio. Through progressive improvements, the rating of later models was raised to an impressive 895 kW (1,200 shp) for takeoff.
Air-cooled radial engines such as the Wright Cyclone and Pratt & Whitney Wasp became the standards for naval aircraft. Their advantages also appealed to designers of commercial air transports. With few exceptions, commercial air transports throughout the world relied on air-cooled radial engines until the advent of jet engines.
This R-1820-97 was manufactured under license by Studebaker. A total of 64,093 R-1820-97 engines were built between July 1942 and October 1943, more than any other model in the R-1820 series. The -97 powered the Boeing B-17E/F/G, Douglas B17F-DL/-19G-DL, Vega B17F-VE/17G-VE, and Northrop N-1-25A.
Credit Line
Found in the collection
Date
1936-1940
Inventory Number
A19660459000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
Metal
Dimensions
3-D (on stand): 121.9 × 139.7 × 167.6cm, 596.5kg (4 ft. × 4 ft. 7 in. × 5 ft. 6 in., 1315lb.)
Overall (see note): 122.5 × 140cm, 596.5kg (4 ft. 1/4 in. × 4 ft. 7 1/8 in., 1315lb.)
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_A19660459000