Designed after World War II, the Twin Wasp E Series engine incorporated the best of what had been learned over the previous two decades. Aircraft manufacturers’ plans included a Douglas DC-3 replacement and a more powerful engine for the Douglas DC-4. To further the sale of the R-2180A engine and provide a power plant easily installed in the DC-4, Pratt & Whitney designed, built, and tested this R-2180 TWE-1.

Unfortunately, because the Douglas DC-6 and Lockheed Constellation were on the horizon, it was uneconomical to convert DC-4s to a more powerful engine, and the DC-3 replacement idea was superseded by a larger airplane requirement resulting in the Martin M-202 and Convair CV-240. Only the Swedish Saab Scandia emerged as a DC-3 replacement, using the R-2180 on a limited scale.

Pratt & Whitney built seventy five R-2180 Series E engines: 64 for Scandias, 10 direct drive versions for the Piasecki XH-16 helicopters, and this TWE-1, Serial No. P410003.

 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 1938 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Pratt & Whitney
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, radial, 2-rows, air-cooled Power rating: 1,342 kW (1,800 hp) at 2,800 rpm Displacement: 35.7 L (2,180 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.75 in.) x 152 mm (6.0 in.) Weight: 849 kg (1,870 lb) Dimensions Diameter 137.2 cm (54.00 in.), Length 193.5 cm (76.20 in.)
 Materials HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel
Aluminum
Paint
Rubber
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Nickel Plating
Phenolic Resin
Felt
Paper
Adhesive
Grease Pencil
 Inventory Number A19550073000 Credit Line Gift of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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