The Kemp Machine Works of Muncie, Indiana built several types of air-cooled engines for airplanes, motorcycles, ice boats, and air-drives for boats. Due to its simple design and quantity production, this engine sold for approximately one half the price of its water-cooled competitors, and was lighter, more streamlined, and trouble-free than most of them.
Early models such as this one had concentric valves, which presented a large valve area, but a complicated design. Later models were equipped with conventional valves. All of the 2-, 4-, and 6-cylinder models had automatic intake valves.
A Kemp Model D-4 powered Walter Ralston's 1912 biplane.
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
1911-1912
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Kemp Machine Works (Muncie, Indiana)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 4 cylinders; air-cooled, concentric valves; automatic inlet valve
Power rating: 26 kW (35 hp) at 1,150 rpm
Displacement: 4.18 L (255.36 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 108 mm (4.25 in.) x 108 mm (4.25 in.)
Weight: 82.2 kg (181 lb)
Dimensions
3-D: 76 × 30 × 46cm (29 15/16 × 11 13/16 × 18 1/8 in.)
Support: 72.4 × 73.7 × 47cm (28 1/2 in. × 29 in. × 18 1/2 in.)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A19660012000
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. L. L. Walker Houston, TX.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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