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The Roberts Motor Company of Sandusky, Ohio built the Model 6X engine. An important design objective of this engine was light weight, achieved through the extensive use of aluminum and magnesium alloys in the cylinders and crankcase, a hollow crankshaft, and two-stroke cycle operation (to reduce parts count). Between 1911 and 1912, many noted exhibition pilots used Roberts engines, and more Roberts engines were said to be built than by Hall-Scott and Curtiss combined.

This Roberts 6X engine originally powered Herman Ecker's flying boat of 1912, and is installed in the Ecker flying boat, which is on display at the museum. Ecker patterned his airplane closely after the highly successful Curtiss Model E and F flying boats. However, it bears the hallmarks of a lone builder, long on enthusiasm and ingenuity, but short on resources and access to the latest technology.

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 1911 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Roberts Motor Company (Sandusky, Ohio)
Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 6 cylinders, water-cooled, two-stroke cycle Power rating: 75 kW (100 hp) at 1,200 rpm Displacement: 9.6 L (589 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in) x 127 mm (5 in) Weight: 159 kg (350 lb) Dimensions Dimensions unknown
Materials Metal
Inventory Number A19580017000 Credit Line Gift of Herman A. Ecker Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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