In 1925 the Fairchild-Caminez Engine Corporation was formed and undertook development of a novel engine designed by Harold Caminez. A cam drive mechanism converted reciprocating motion of the pistons to rotary motion by means of rollers in the pistons operating a double-lobed cam on the main shaft. It was the first U.S. engine to be certificated without a crankshaft.

The Caminez received its type certificate in June 1928; however, by the fall of 1928, it was decided to completely abandon further development or manufacture of this engine. Although more simply constructed than a conventional radial engine, and permitting use of low-speed propellers because of its low rotational speed, the engine failed its Navy trials due excessive vibration. This was apparently caused by an inherent imbalance resulting from inaccurate machining of some parts.

One aircraft powered by the Caminez engine was the Travel Air Model 8000.

 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 1927 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, single row, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 89.5 kW (120 hp) at 960 rpm Displacement: 7.33 L (447.3 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 143 mm (5.625 in.) x 114 mm (4.5 in.) Weight: 163 kg (360 lb) Dimensions Length 86.4 cm (34 in.), Width 86.4 cm (34 in.), Height 68.6 cm (27 in.) (Approximate)
 Materials Aluminum
Steel
Copper Alloy
Paint
 Inventory Number A19710915000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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