In early 1930, Allison manager N. H. Gilman sketched a design for a 559 kW (750-hp), 12-cylinder engine that would incorporate high-temperature glycol cooling and a turbosupercharger. The U.S. Navy contracted with Allison to supply the engine (known as the V-1710-A) for use on its airships. Originally known for modified Liberty engines and developing propeller reduction gears, this was the first of Allison’s own engines. Two years later the Army ordered a modified, more powerful version; redesigned during development and reintroduced in 1936 as the V-1710-C6.
Allison built more than 47,000 V-1710s in 57 versions. During World War II they powered various models of the Lockheed P-38, Curtiss P-40, Bell P-39 and P-63, and North American P-51. This artifact was the first Allison V-1710 engine to be flown. The Army Air Corps bought it in 1936 and flew it for 300 hours in the Consolidated XA-11A attack aircraft.
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
1936
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Allison Division, General Motors Corporation
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, supercharged, ethylene glycol cooled
Power rating: 746 kW (1,000 hp) at 2,600 rpm
Displacement: 28 L (1,710 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.5 in.) x 152 mm (6 in.)
Weight: 575.6 kg (1,269 lb)
Dimensions
Height 134.6 cm (53 in.), Width 91.4 cm (36 in.), Depth 259.1 cm (102 in.)
Inventory Number
A19600125000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Central Museum
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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