During 1909 and 1910 Charles B. Kirkham made several successful aircraft engines based on his automobile motors. In 1911 he began to manufacture the above engine – his first designed especially for airplane use. It featured concentric valves, primarily to assist exhaust cooling. Kirkham claimed that this engine was “outstanding in light weight, low head resistance, and freedom from vibration.”
It powered the Aerial Exhibition Company’s biplane design, the Burgess Hydroplane Model F, the Kirkham tractor biplane design, and the Thomas Model TA.
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
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Designer
Charles B. Kirkham
Manufacturer
Kirkham
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 6 cylinders, water cooled
Power rating: 40.6 kW (54.5 hp) at 1,300 rpm
Displacement: 6.24 L (380.88 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 105 mm (4.125 in.) x 121 mm (4.75 in.)
Weight (wet): 106.6 kg (235 lb)
Dimensions
3-D: 119.4 × 40.6 × 76.2cm, 106.6kg (47 × 16 × 30 in., 235lb.)
Support: 119.4 × 86.4 × 45.7cm (47 × 34 × 18 in.)
Materials
metal
Inventory Number
A19620052000
Credit Line
Gift of G. N. Boyd
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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