Charles B. Kirkham of Savona, N.Y., one of the earliest and best known airplane engine designers and builders, originally built motorcycle engines, and did casting and machining for Glenn Curtiss, whose Hammondsport factory was nearby. Between 1910 and 1912, Kirkham designed and built his own engines. From 1915 to 1919, he was Chief Engineer for the Curtiss Airplane and Motor Corporation; later founding his own company.
Kirkham designed, tooled up, and built this engine in 1929. It is believed to be the first vertically-opposed air-cooled engine. It was an experimental design and was equipped with a supercharger. Although it may have been a good engine, there apparently were no suitable airplanes for its unconventional shape.
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
1929
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Kirkham
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, Vertically-opposed, supercharged, air cooled
Power rating: Unknown
Displacement: Unknown
Bore and Stroke: Unknown
Weight: 272 kg (600 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 46 x 15 x 54 in. (116.8 x 38.1 x 137.2cm)
Approximate (Weighed with stand): 370.1kg (816lb.)
Height 116.8 cm (46 in.), Width 38.1 cm (15 in.), Depth 137.2 cm (54 in.)
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Ceramic, Copper, Phenolic, Rubber
Inventory Number
A19640001000
Credit Line
Gift of Charles B. Kirkham
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.