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Founded in 1925 by Frederick Rentschler, who formerly was the president of Wright Aeronautical, Pratt & Whitney became the world’s biggest aero-engine company. By 1930, its first engines, the Wasp and Hornet had set many world records. Certificated in 1933, the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp R-1830 was a two-row radial that delivered up to 1,007 kW (1,350 shp), and opened a market unreachable for single-row engines.

Beginning in 1936, Pratt & Whitney focused on the R-1830 with single-stage and 2-stage or turbo-superchargers. The engine powered 89 types of military and commercial aircraft. Production totaled 173,618, more than any other aircraft engine. However, although a classic engine, it required the highest octane gasoline available. This was a drawback for the airlines, requiring Pratt & Whitney to build a larger Twin Wasp R-2180.

The R-1830-43 powered the: Consolidated B-24D/E/F/G/J/M, RB-24J, XB-41; Lockheed C-57; Convair C-87/A/B, XC-109, C-109; and Consolidated AT-22.

 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 United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Buick Motor Division, General Motors Corporation (Pratt & Whitney Aircraft)
 Designer Pratt & Whitney
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2-rows, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 820 kW (1,100 hp) at 2,550 rpm Displacement: 32.8 L (2,000 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.8 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.) Weight: 680 kg (1,500 lb) Dimensions Overall: 1500lb. (680.4kg)
Other: 4 ft. 3/16 in. × 5 ft. 1 1/2 in. (122.4 × 156.2cm)
Storage (Stand): 6 ft. × 4 ft. 9 3/4 in. (182.9 × 146.7cm)
 Inventory Number A19670007000 Credit Line Found in the collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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