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. More than 10,000 of these V-8 engines were manufactured, most of them for use in Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainers.

After World War I, thousands of OX-5s and Jennies were sold to the public at a fraction of their original cost to the government. In addition, during the 1920s, Waco, Laird, Curtiss, Fairchild, Alexander, Travel Air, and many other firms developed civil aircraft powered by the OX-5 engine. The availability of a well-proven, inexpensive engine in such quantity was a mixed blessing -- it allowed many people to fly who could not afford a more expensive engine, but manufacturers of more modern power plants suffered.

In addition, during the 1920s, Waco, Laird, Curtiss, Fairchild, Alexander, Travel Air, and many other firms developed civil aircraft powered by the OX-5 engine.

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 World War I

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

Designer

Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company

Manufacturer

Willys-Morrow Company (Curtiss)

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, 8 cylinders, V-type, water-cooled
Power rating: 67 kW (90 hp) at 1,200 rpm
Displacement: 8.3 L (502.8 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 102 mm (4 in.) x 127 mm (5 in.)
Weight: 176.9 kg (390 lb)

Dimensions

Depth 144.1 cm (56.75 in.), Width 75.6 cm (29.75 in.), Height 93.3 cm (36.75 in.)

Materials

Aluminum
Steel
Copper Alloy
Rubber

Inventory Number

A19670008000

Credit Line

Found in the collection

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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