Founded in 1925 by Frederick Rentschler, formerly 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 1n 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 a wide variety of military and commercial aircraft. Production totaled 173,618, more than any other aircraft engine.

The R-1830-90C was a Navy engine and had a two-speed supercharger. It powered Douglas C-47B, TC-47B, C-47D, and C-117A aircraft. The Pratt & Whitney designation for this engine was R-1830-S3C4-G. The commercial version of the engine powered the Douglas DC-3C.

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, 2-rows, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 895 kW (1,200 hp) at 2,700 rpm
Displacement: 30.0 L (1,830 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.5 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 678.1 kg (1,495 lb)

Dimensions

Diameter 122.4 (48.19 in.), Length 159.1 cm (62.63 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Cadmium
Ferrous Alloy
Aluminum
Paint
Plastic

Inventory Number

A19600115000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Central Museum

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

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