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The CD-12 (Curtiss Direct-Drive) history extended over several years. Development began in 1915 with the K-12, using the historic design skills of Charles Kirkham; and in competition with the popular Hispano-Suiza. The high power and low weight goal was a great challenge. So it was not surprising that the aluminum monoblock and several other advanced features, including the reduction gearing, presented substantial problems. Unable to overcome these difficulties, Kirkham left Curtiss in 1919, and his successor, Arthur Nutt produced a derated CD-12, without the reduction gearing of the K-12, in 1921.

This artifact was a production prototype, while the other three in its series were sold to the U.S. Navy. In November, 1921, the Navy Curtiss Racer CR-1, powered by a Curtiss CD-12 engine, won the Pulitzer Trophy. CD-12 engines also powered the Curtiss CT Torpedodropper and Navy Curtiss 18T triplane racer. Further development produced the 1922 D-12, a successful engine for both racing and fighter aircraft.

 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 1921 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, V-type, 12 cylinders, liquid-cooled Power rating: 242 kW (325 hp) at 1,800 rpm Displacement: 18.8 L (1,145.09 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 152 mm (6 in.) Weight: 437.7 kg (964 lb) Dimensions Height 88.4 cm (34.8 in.), Length 144.3 cm (56.8 in.), Width 71.9 cm (28.3 in.)
 Materials Aluminum, Steel, Copper, Ceramic, Rubber, Magnesium, Preservative coating
 Inventory Number A19710888000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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