Beginning around 1922, J.F. Irwin’s Irwin Aircraft Company of Watsonville, California designed and provided blueprints for small, single seat sport aircraft which were supposedly simple enough for enthusiastic amateurs to build. In 1925, it introduced its Meteormotor. In 1926, it was improved by using copper instead of iron for cylinder cooling fins. Although classified as a radial, it was actually two opposed twins at ninety degrees to each other. This engine powered the Irwin M-T-2 and C-C-1 aircraft.

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

ca. 1926

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

Manufacturer

Irwin Aircraft Company (Watsonville, California)

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, radial, 4 cylinders, x-configuration; 2-stroke cycle, air-cooled
Power rating: 14.9 kW (20 hp) at 2,000 rpm
Displacement: 1.18 L (72 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 73 mm (2.875 in.) x 70 mm (2.75 in.)
Weight: 27 kg (60 lb)

Dimensions

Depth 101.6 cm (40 in.), Length 82.6 cm (32.5 in.), Width 65.4 cm (25.75 in.)

Materials

Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Copper, Paint, Ceramic, Brass

Inventory Number

A19571001000

Credit Line

Gift of Preston Kirk

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.