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 airplanes powered by the OX-5 engine for civil aircraft.

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 Circa 1917 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, Liquid-cooled Power rating: 67 kW (90 hp) at 1,400 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 3-D: 137.2 × 74.9 × 81.3cm, 357.9kg (4 ft. 6 in. × 2 ft. 5 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 8 in., 789lb.)
Materials HAZMAT: Cadmium
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Rubber
Natural Fiber Thread
Paint
Plastic
Adhesive Tape
Grease
Inventory Number A19721041000 Credit Line Gift of the War Memorial Museum of Virginia Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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