Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Murray engine is the earliest American supercharged engine still in existence. In 1911, Joseph J. Murray began design of air-cooled, valveless, 2-stroke, supercharged rotary engines, with the first model tested early in 1912. The engines were developed by the Murray-Willat Company, and built by the American Motors and Aviation Company, where Murray briefly served as Secretary-Treasurer. Murray engines were built through 1914.

This model followed the earlier 18.6 kW (25-hp) and 52 kW (70-hp) engines, and used an improved vane-type supercharger. Murray’s engines never flew, but this artifact was installed in a Murray-designed monoplane that served as a prop in two early movies produced at Mack Sennett’s Keystone Studios, Saved by Wireless and Civilization. The aircraft was heavily damaged during production of Civilization and apparently not used again. The artifact is mounted on its original metal test stand.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Date 1913 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Designer Joseph J. Murray
 Manufacturer Murray-Willat Company
 Physical Description Type: Rotary, 6 cylinders, air-cooled, 2-stroke, supercharged Power rating: 22.4 kW (30 hp) at 1,200 rpm Displacement: 2.4 L (146 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 75 mm (2.95 in.) x 90 mm (3.54 in.) Weight: 60 kg (132.3 lb) Dimensions Diameter 66 cm (25.98 in.)
 Inventory Number A19640635000 Credit Line Gift of Miss Vera C. Murray. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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