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, the OX-5 engine powered airplanes developed for civil aircraft by Waco, Laird, Curtiss, Fairchild, Alexander, Travel Air, and many other firms.
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.
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
1919
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Willys-Morrow Company (Curtiss)
Designer
Glenn H. Curtiss
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, water-cooled, V-8
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 (dry): 145 kg (320 lb)
Dimensions
Length 144.1 cm (56.75 in.), Width 75.6 cm (29.75 in.,) Height 93.3 cm (36.75 in.)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A19200008000
Credit Line
On Loan from the War Department, Air Service, Washington, D.C.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.