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, but others featured radial engines.

The most important aircraft powered by this engine was probably the Tachikawa Ki-54, a twin engine multi-purpose trainer, also having a light transport version which was built in small numbers as the Y-59 for civil operators.

 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, single row, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 373 kW (500 hp) at 2,300 rpm Displacement: 17.9 L (1,092 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.48 in.) x 119 mm (4.69 in.) Weight: 337 kg (743 lb) Dimensions Approximate: 137.2 × 121.9 × 111.8cm (4 ft. 6 in. × 4 ft. × 3 ft. 8 in.)
3-D (Cone): 33 × 40.6cm (1 ft. 1 in. × 1 ft. 4 in.)
 Materials Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metals
Possible Magnesium
Paint
Adhesive Tape
 Inventory Number A19731553000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Virginia Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.