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Among the most successful early engines marketed in the United States were those designed and built by aviation pioneer and inventor Glenn Curtiss in his factory in Hammondsport, New York. Early Curtiss engines were designed to power motorcycles. The Curtiss Model B-8 was the first Curtiss engine to power a heavier-than-air machine in sustained flight. In 1908, the 29.8 kw (40 hp) B-8 powered the Curtiss June Bug aircraft. In 1911, this engine was used by the donor's father, Dr. George A. Spratt, to power an experimental variable angle of incidence wing seaplane of his own design.

Although this engine is air cooled, all Curtiss engines manufactured after 1908 were water cooled.

Display Status

This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Early Flight

Object Details

Date

1907

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

Manufacturer

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Designer

Glenn H. Curtiss

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, V-type, 8 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 29.8 kW (40 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Displacement: 4.393 L (268 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 92.08 mm (3.625 in.) x 82.55 mm (3.25 in.)
Weight: 68.1 kg (150 lb)

Dimensions

3-D: 78.7 × 49.5 × 43.2cm (2 ft. 7 in. × 1 ft. 7 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 5 in.)
Support: 46.4 × 68.6 × 42.5cm (18 1/4 in. × 27 in. × 16 3/4 in.)

Materials

Metal

Inventory Number

A19490009000

Credit Line

Gift of George Spratt

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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