Curtiss OX-5

More than 10,000 of these V-8 engines were manufactured, most of them for use in Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainers. After World War I, thousands of OX-5s and Jennies were sold to the public at a fraction of their original cost to the government. In addition, during the 1920s, airplanes powered by the OX-5 engine were developed for civil aircraft by Waco, Laird, Curtiss, Fairchild, Alexander, Travel Air, and many other firms.

The availability of a well-proven, inexpensive engine in such quantity was a mixed blessing -- it allowed many people to fly who could not afford a more expensive engine, but manufacturers of more modern power plants suffered.

Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Components (Engine Parts)

Designer

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Manufacturer

Willys-Morrow Company (Curtiss)

Physical Description

Type: Water-cooled, V-8
Take-off Power: 67 kw (90 hp)
Weight: 175 kg (390 lb)
Displacement: 8.3 liters (502.8 cu in)
Specific Fuel Consumption: .270 kg/hp/hr (.60 lb/hp/hr)
5-main bearing crankshaft; complete with propeller thrust bearing.

Dimensions

Overall: 118 cm (46 1/4in.)

Inventory Number

A19780417000

Credit Line

Gift of Frank V. Tabian

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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