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The major airframe application of the Wright R-3350 was the Boeing B-29 during World War II. Rushed into service, the engine had many difficulties, initially resulting in many losses from engine fires on takeoff. Typified by this version used in later B 29s such as the Enola Gay, also displayed at the museum, the problem was eventually solved with improvements including replacement of the carburetors with fuel injectors.

The engine was also used on the Martin PB2M Mars flying boat, and other models continued to serve in commercial aviation long after the war. One version was the first of its type to have its exhaust turbines (three of them) geared into the power system. Called the Wright Turbo-Compound Cyclone, it was the last and the most highly developed piston engine to be widely used in large military and commercial airplanes, including the Douglas DC-7 and Lockheed Super Constellation.

 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 1941 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Wright Aeronautical
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 18 cylinders, 2-rows, geared, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 1,641 kW (2,200 hp) at 2,800 rpm Displacement: 54.9 L (3,347 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 156 mm (6.125 in.) x 160 mm (6.3125 in.) Weight: 1,211 kg (2,670 lb) Dimensions Diameter: 141.7 cm (55.78 in.), Length: 193.7 cm (76.26 in.)
 Inventory Number A19670013000 Credit Line Found in the collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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