The Conqueror developed from a history of Curtiss engines beginning in the early twentieth century. It was the last of Curtiss liquid cooled engines. The U.S. Navy purchased this engine in 1930 and installed it in the Curtiss XF6C-6 Hawk, a biplane converted to a monoplane racer. On September 1, 1930, U.S. Marine Corps pilot Capt. Arthur H. Page Jr., flew the aircraft in the Thompson Trophy Air Race in Chicago. While leading the field, the aircraft lost power, and Page died during the resulting forced landing.
To determine what happened, the Navy's Aeronautical Engine Laboratory disassembled and inspected the engine. They determined that the magneto drive shaft bushing and housing failed, which most likely retarded the magneto timing enough to cause a loss of power and engine failure. While historians have speculated that Page was overcome by fumes and crashed, the official Navy report indicated otherwise.
Display Status
This object is on display in Nation of Speed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
July 7, 1930
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: 500 kW (670 hp) at 2,405 rpm
Displacement: 25.7 L (1,570 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.1 in) x 159 mm (6.2 in)
Weight: 493.5 kg (1,088 lb)
Dimensions
3-D (on stand): 165.1 × 96.5 × 116.8cm, 493.5kg (5 ft. 5 in. × 3 ft. 2 in. × 3 ft. 10 in., 1088lb.)
3-D (without stand): 144.8 × 83.8 × 96.5cm (4 ft. 9 in. × 2 ft. 9 in. × 3 ft. 2 in.)
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Magnesium
Inventory Number
A19710913000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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