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 Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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