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In 1916 Curtiss engineer Charles Kirkham began designing an engine to compete with the Wright Corporation's Hispano-Suiza. By late 1917, the prototype K-12 (K for Kirkham) was bench tested. While it met its design objectives of high power, low frontal area, compact size, and low weight, the engine encountered technical difficulties during development. Kirkham left Curtiss in 1919, and Arthur Nutt took over the project, eventually producing the D-12, which became a highly successful racing and military power plant in the 1920s.

This engine is manufacturer's number 5 out of about 20 built. The K-12 powered the Curtiss Navy 18T Wasp triplane and the Army Curtiss 18B Hornet biplane. In 1919 Curtiss test pilot Roland Rholfs set a new world's altitude record of 10,641 m (34,910 ft) with the 18T.

 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 1918 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, water cooled Power rating: 280 kW (375 hp) at 2,250 rpm Displacement: 18.8 L (1,145.09 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 152 mm (6 in.) Weight: 307.5 kg (678 lb) Dimensions Length 152.4 cm (60 in.) (approximate), Width 70.8 cm (27.875 in.), Height 101.9 cm (40.125 in.)
 Materials Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Preservative coating, Rubber, Ceramic, Copper, Brass, Phenolic
 Inventory Number A19710907000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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