Heath-Henderson B-4
The Heath Airplane Company's Model B-4 was an in-line, four-cylinder, air-cooled Henderson motorcycle engine converted for use in aircraft by modifying the lubrication system and the valves. The B-4 mainly powered the small and economical Heath Parasol monoplane, which Heath sold in kit form for homebuilders in the 1920s and '30s.
The low-cost, reliable Henderson motorcycle engine was well-suited for the Heath airplane design because it helped make sport flying affordable for many people. Service was simple and economical because parts were cheap and easy to obtain throughout the country.
Gift of Eugene E. Stegall.
Date: 1930
Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Length 64.1 cm (25.25 in.), Width 36.8 cm (14.5 in.), Height 61 cm (24.0 in.)
Physical Description:
Type: In-line, 4 cylinders, air cooled
Power rating: 22.4 kW (30 hp) at 3,000 rpm
Displacement: 1.4 (83 cu in)
Weight: 54 kg (119 lb)
Manufacturer: Henderson Motorcycle Co. and Heath Airplane Co., Chicago, Ill.
Motorcycle engine converted to aircraft use; no data plate.
