The Guiberson Diesel Engine Company was a subsidiary of the Guiberson Corporation of Dallas, Texas which manufactured oil-industry equipment. Work on its first aircraft engine, the A-980, began in 1930. It was test flown in a Waco biplane and certificated in late-1931. The U.S. Navy showed interest in the slightly larger A-918 engine for its low specific fuel consumption; however, diesels developed by the Navy proved too heavy for their power rating and weren't useful as combat engines.

The later A-1020 was similar to its predecessors, but included improved valves. It was test-flown in a Stinson Reliant S.R. 9 aircraft and certificated in 1940 at 231 kW (310 shp). The T-1020 diesel was manufactured during World War II for use in light tanks, and was equipped with a gear-driven fan for cooling. Aircraft use of this engine, cooled by the propeller slipstream, was hampered by the emphasis on tank engine production during the war.

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 1941 - 1943 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Guiberson Diesel Engine Company (Dallas, Texas)
Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, Diesel, 9 cylinders, radial, Air-cooled Power rating: 198 kW (265 hp) at 2,250 rpm Displacement: 16.7 L (1,021 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.125 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.) Weight: 254 kg (559 lb) Dimensions Other: 47in. (119.4cm)
Storage: 146.1 x 127 x 135.3cm (57 1/2 in. x 50 in. x 53 1/4 in.)
Materials Aluminum
Steel
Rubber
Paint
Plastic
Inventory Number A19880410000 Credit Line Exchange with Cradle of Aviation Museum Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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