Mitsubishi was the first and largest series producer of Japanese engines during World War II, with a 1937 Pratt & Whitney arrangement possibly contributing to this success. Its Kinsei (Golden Star) engine saw service throughout the war, beginning at 544 kW (730 hp) and producing as much as 1,163 kW (1,560 hp) at war’s end.

The Kinsei 44 powered the Aichi D3A, (Allied name "Val") which was the primary carrier-borne dive bomber of the World War II Japanese Navy. It was the first Japanese aircraft to bomb American targets, commencing with Pearl Harbor and U.S. bases in the Philippines. During the course of the war, it sank more Allied warships than any other Axis aircraft

 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 World War II Country of Origin Japan Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Mitsubishi Jukogyo K. K.
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, Radial, 14 cylinders, air cooled Power rating: 746 kW (1000 hp) at 2,500 rpm Displacement: 32.34 L (1,970 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.51 in.) x 150 mm (5.91 in.) Weight: 254 kg (560 lb) Dimensions Overall: 205.7 × 120.7cm (81 × 47 1/2 in.)
Storage: 231.1 × 146.1cm (91 in. × 57 1/2 in.)
 Materials Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Preservative coating, Paint, Magnesium, Brass, Copper
 Inventory Number A19731577000 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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