Lycoming traces its beginning to a mid-nineteenth century sewing machine manufacturer. In 1907 that company was sold and restructured as the Lycoming Foundry and Machine Company, which produced automobile engines, and later was a subsidiary of the Auburn Auto Company. Although its early aircraft engines were radials, Lycoming entered the light-aircraft engine field early in 1938 with the introduction of the air-cooled, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed O-145 engine.
Along with Continental and Franklin, Lycoming was a basic provider of engines for the ubiquitous bright yellow Piper Cub, which sold for less than $2,000 and was synonymous with small general aviation aircraft for many years.
Appearing in 1939, the O-145-B2 provided the highest power of Lycoming's three engine models. It powered such aircraft as the Piper J3L-65, Taylorcraft BL-12-65, and Mooney M-18 Mite.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
1939
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Designer
Harold E. Morehouse
Manufacturer
Lycoming (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, Horizontally-opposed, 4 cylinders, Air-cooled
Power rating: 48 kW (65 hp) at 2,550 rpm
Displacement: 2.4 L (145 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 92.08 mm (3.625 in.) x 88.9 mm (3.5 in.)
Weight: 75.3 kg (166 lb)
Dimensions
Length 62.6 cm (24.63 in.), Width 75.1 cm (29.56 in.), Height 52.3 cm (20.59 in.)
Materials
In 1989, this engine was given an overall finish of black lacquer with the propeller hub finished in aluminum powdered acrylic enamel paint.
Inventory Number
A19880408000
Credit Line
Exchange with the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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