Once the largest independent manufacturer of automotive engines, Detroit’s Continental Motors purchased the rights to a single-sleeve valve engine design in 1925, believing this technology might replace poppet valves in aircraft engines. However, after considerable testing the company only became successful in aviation after reverting to poppet valves and production of four cylinder horizontally opposed engines. The Continental A-40 was the predecessor of a long line of successful horizontally-opposed Continental engines built for general aviation and military aircraft.
For example, the Continental A-40 made the classic Piper J-3 Cub possible, and powered other aircraft such as the Taylor Cub E-2 and Taylorcraft Model A.
An advantage of horizontally-opposed engines is better forward visibility than radial or V-type engines. Today opposed engines have replaced all other types of piston engines for various reasons, including fewer cylinders for equal power and smooth running. And Continental is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of general aviation engines.
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
Continental, Inc.
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, horizontally-opposed, air-cooled
Power rating: 29.8 kW (40 hp) at 2,575 rpm
Displacement: 1.9 L (115 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 79 mm (3.1 in.) x 95 mm (3.8 in.)
Weight: 69.9 kg (154 lb)
Manufactured circa 1931
Has propeller hub; air-cooled; missing 1 spark plug, data plate, manifold
Dimensions
Length 70.9 cm (27.9 in.), Width 67.1 cm (26.4 in.), Height 51.8 cm (20.4 in.) (dimensions for Continental A-40-5)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
V20170186001
Credit Line
Donated by Robert B. Meyer Jr.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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