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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)
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