In 1939, the Air Corps identified a need for flat, H-type engines for installation in bomber wings. Lycoming had already begun Navy studies for the 24-cylinder H-2470 engine, and the Army arranged to buy two engines under that contract. In 1942, the Navy, proposing the H-2470 for the Curtiss F14C fighter, sent a letter of intent ordering 100 engines, 50 of which were for the Army. A new Lycoming factory was set up in Toledo, Ohio, exclusively for H-2470 production. However, before the factory went into production, the Navy decided that it would not be available for the war and canceled its contract.
With limited Army support, the engine was flight tested in the Vultee XP-54. But again it was clear that the H-2470 could not be ready for use in the war, and the Army dropped the project before the end of 1943. This XH-2470-7 artifact was equipped with a dual rotation propeller shaft.
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
Circa 1944
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Lycoming (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 24 cylinders, H-type, Liquid-cooled
Power rating: 1,491 kW (2,000 hp) at 3,100 rpm
Displacement: 40.5 L (2,470 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 133 mm (5.3 in.) x 121 mm (4.8 in.)
Weight: 1,281 kg (2,824 lb)
Dimensions
Storage: 309.9 × 104.1 × 178.4cm, 1635.7kg (10 ft. 2 in. × 3 ft. 5 in. × 5 ft. 10 1/4 in., 3606lb.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Ceramic, Rubber, Paint, Preservative coating, Textile
Inventory Number
A19731557000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, Cheatham Annex, Williamsburg, Virginia
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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