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It is believed this artifact is a 37 kW (50 hp) Curtiss E-4, operated at a lower than normal rotational speed. It was the first of Curtiss water-cooled engines, and the first of two engines to power the U.S. Army Signal Corps Dirigible No. 1, the first U.S. military airship. The engine drove a tubular steel shaft about 6.7 m (22 ft) long on which was mounted a wooden propeller designed by Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge.

In 1908, the Signal Corps awarded Thomas Baldwin a contract for the construction of an airship not to exceed 36.6 m (120 ft), to be completely maneuverable, and to obtain a speed of 32 km/hr (20 mph). Baldwin piloted the airship, and Glenn Curtiss was the engineer. In the official speed run, the Baldwin airship reached 31.38 km/hr (19.61 mph).

After service at Fort Meyer and Omaha, this engine was replaced by another Curtiss Model E-4 engine, also in the museum’s collection.

 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 1908 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, in-line, 4 cylinders, water-cooled Power rating: 14.9 KW (20 hp) at 450 rpm Displacement: 6.4 L ( 393 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 127 mm (5 in.) Weight: 114 kg (250 lb) Dimensions Approximate: 91.4 × 61 × 91.4cm, 113.4kg (3 × 2 × 3 ft., 250lb.)
Support: 171.5 × 106.7 × 82.6cm (67 1/2 in. × 42 in. × 32 1/2 in.)
 Materials Metal
Wood
Coating
 Inventory Number A19310062000 Credit Line Gift of Charles R. Witteman. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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