The Packard Motor Car Company produced the world’s first quantity-production 12-cylinder automobile in in 1916, and belief in that engine carried over to aviation in the following year. Development of the Packard X, basically two Model 1500s sharing one crank-shaft, began about 1920. A few years later, under a Navy contract, Packard built two 1A-2775 engines. The first was test flown for the 1927 Schneider Trophy race by Al Williams in a Kirkham racer, but did not compete. Williams later set an unofficial speed record of 515 kilometers (322 miles) per hour in the racer in 1927.
For the 1929 Schneider Trophy race, Williams modified the racer into a monoplane, which was designated the Mercury Racer. The aircraft was too heavy, so a second, more powerful engine was prepared. Super-charged and rated at 1,119 kW (1,500) horsepower, it was the most powerful aircraft engine in the world. However, the Navy withdrew its support, and the airplane did not race.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
Circa 1927
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Packard Motor Car Company (Detroit, Michigan)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 24 cylinders, X-type, Liquid-cooled
Power rating: 969 kW (1,300 hp) at 2,700 rpm
Displacement: 45.5 L (2,775 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 137 mm (5.375 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 761 kg (1,677 lb) (Approximate)
Dimensions
Other: 45 3/16 x 73 3/16 x 26 13/16 x 55 1/2 x 76 x 36in. (114.8 x 185.9 x 68.1 x 141 x 193 x 91.4cm)
Approximate (Weighed with Stand by Cat Forklift): 1043.3kg (2300lb.)
Approximate ((without stand)): 760.7kg (1677lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Preservative coating, Textile, Rubber, Copper, Cadmium Plating, Ceramic
Inventory Number
A19710899000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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