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.

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 II Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation
Physical Description 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) Dimensions 64 x 32 x 50"
Materials Aluminum
Paint
Steel
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Natural Fabric
Ceramic
Cadmium Plating
Fiber (potential asbestos)
Inventory Number A19630413000 Credit Line Gift of Virginia Polytechnic Institute Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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