Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

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
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.