Fairchild entered the aircraft engine business in 1925 with the formation of the Fairchild-Caminez engine corporation of Farmingdale, New York. Initially a manufacturer of radial engines designed by Harold Caminez, whose earlier career was at the U.S. Army’s McCook Field, Fairchild later became a successful manufacturer of air-cooled in-line aircraft engines. Built by the Ranger Engineering Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation, the L-440-1 completed its 150-hour military type test in June 1939, thereby making the engine eligible for all primary trainer aircraft competitions. The civilian Model 6-440-C2 followed and was certificated in July 1939.
The L-440-1 powered the Fairchild PT-19/A/B trainer and Waco XPG-2/A/B and PG-2A powered gliders. Other military aircraft powered by the Model L-440 series were the Fairchild PT-26 and UC-61. Among the civilian aircraft powered by the 6-440 series were the Fairchild 24R46 and Grumman Widgeon G-44-A aircraft.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa World War II
United States of America
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation
Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, inverted in-line, air cooled
Power rating: 130 kW (175 hp) at 2,450 rpm
Displacement: 7.2 L (440 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 102 mm (4 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 173.3 kg (382 lb)
64 x 32 x 50"
Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Natural Fabric
Ceramic
Cadmium Plating
Fiber (potential asbestos)
A19630413000
Gift of Virginia Polytechnic Institute
National Air and Space Museum
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