In 1936, the U.S. Navy contracted with the Ranger Division of the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation for four XV-770-4 engines with a take-off rating of 373 kW (500 hp). Because of its low projected frontal area and inverted installation, permitting excellent pilot visibility, the design was considered attractive for installation in cruiser- and battleship-based scout observation aircraft, and scheduled for installation in the Vought XSO2U-1 and Curtiss XSO3C-1 aircraft. The -4 model, because of certain structural deficiencies and unsatisfactory torsional vibration characteristics, proved unsatisfactory for service use. Design deficiencies required extensive changes resulting in the -6 model, contracted for production in 1940 for installation in SO3C-1 aircraft.
In 1942, the Navy initiated further development to improve the power and altitude performance. Improvements including structural refinement and improved supercharger resulted in the V-770-8. This engine model was approved for production for installation in later series Curtiss SO3C airplanes and XOSE-1 aircraft.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa 1941
United States of America
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation
Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, air cooled
Power rating: 410 kW (550 hp) at 3,150 rpm
Displacement: 12.6 L (770 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 102 mm (4 in.) x 130 mm (5.125 in.)
Weight: 347 kg (765 lb)
3-D: 167.6 × 73.7 × 88.9cm, 347kg (5 ft. 6 in. × 2 ft. 5 in. × 2 ft. 11 in., 765lb.)
Aluminum Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Oil
Grease
Paint
Rubber
Natural Fiber Thread
Plastic
Silica Gel
Copper Alloy
A19520107000
Transferred from the Department of the Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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