Design and development of the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp was initiated in 1936, and was America’s first 18-cylinder radial. With water injection and turbo-supercharging, the R-2800 produced more than 46 kW/L (1-horsepower/cubic inch). Even though smaller, it was more powerful than the Gnome-Rhone 18L, the world’s only other modern eighteen, but required advanced cooling fins to dissipate the accompanying heat. During World War II, it powered the Grumman F6F Hellcat, Vought F4U Corsair, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and other combat aircraft. After the War, it was chosen to power the Douglas DC-6 and other airliners.
By the time production ended in 1960, more than 125,000 R-2800s were produced by Pratt & Whitney and its licensees, one of the largest production runs of any single aircraft engine model.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa World War II
United States of America
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Type: Reciprocating, 18 cylinders, radial, air cooled, two rows, gear-driven 1-stage, 2-speed supercharger
Power rating: 1,790 kW (2,400 hp) at 2,800 rpm
Displacement: 45.9 L (2,800 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.75 in.) x 152 mm (6 in.)
Weight: 1,068 kg (2,350 lb)
Diameter 134.1 cm (52.8 in), Length 206.8 cm (81.4 in.)
A19700048000
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
National Air and Space Museum
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