The Japanese conglomerate Hitachi manufactured aircraft engines from about 1929 until the end of World War II, with a concentration on low-power seven and nine cylinder radials and inverted inline fours. The Hitachi Aircraft Company was formed in 1939 to take over the aircraft and aero-engine branches of the Tokyo Gasu Denki K.K. or Tokyo Gas & Electric Co., Ltd. Many, if not most, Japanese military trainers were powered by Hitachi copies of German designed Hirth air-cooled inline engines.
This radial engine powered the World War II Kyushu Q1W Tokai (Eastern Sea) Navy Patrol Plane (Allied Code Name Lorna), Japan’s first specialized anti-submarine aircraft. The artifact was the right engine from one of those twin-engine aircraft. A total of 785 Amakaze engines were built between 1944 and 1945.
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
Japan
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Hitachi
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 373 kW (500 hp) at 2,300 rpm
Displacement: 17.9 L (1,092 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.1 in.) x 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Weight: 337 kg (743 lb)
Dimensions
Diameter 116.2 cm (45.75 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Rubber, Stainless steel, Textile, Paint, Leather
Inventory Number
A19670090000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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