Besler Steam Engine Replica

This is a replica of the only steam engine to power a full-size aircraft in flight. On April 12, 1933 at Oakland, California, William J. Besler made the first flight with his Besler steam engine installed in a Travel Air 2000 aircraft. The engine was a two-cylinder V-type engine that generated 150 hp. The engine weighed 180 lb and the boilers and condensers weighed an additional 300 lb (3.2 lb/hp).

The engine was quiet and could be reversed instantly both in flight and on the ground to steepen landing approaches and shorten the landing run after touchdown. Because the steam engine was heavier, less efficient, and more complex than conventional internal combustion engines, it could not compete with them and thus was never put into production.

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 1933

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

Manufacturer

Besler Brothers (Emeryville, California)

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, two-cylinder compound double acting, V-type, steam engine, reproduction
Power rating: 112 kW (150 hp) at 1,625 rpm, 1,200 psi boiler pressure
Displacement: 1.41 L (86.1 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 76.2 mm (3 in.) x 76.2 mm (3 in.) high-pressure cylinder, 133 mm (5.25 in.) x 76.2 mm (3 in.) low pressure cylinder
Weight: 82 kg (180 lb) engine, 136 kg (300 lb) boilers and condensers

Dimensions

Storage: 162.6 × 86.7 × 146.1cm (64 × 34 1/8 × 57 1/2 in.)

Materials

AluminumSteelCopper AlloyNatural FabricRubberGlassPaint
Chrome Plating
Plastic
Anodized Aluminum
Ceramic
Cadmium Plating
Adhesive

Inventory Number

A19650253000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Navy

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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