Wright Aeronautical carried on important experimental work during 1936, culminating in announcement of the Wright Cyclone 14 early in 1937. Developed from experience gained on the earlier R-1510 and R-1670 models, this powerful air-cooled engine, designated the GR-2600 series, was rated at 1,119 kW (1,500 shp). Although not immediately released for commercial use, Pan American Airways, Inc. placed an order for 25 engines for installation in the new trans-Atlantic Clipper Ships then under construction. Shortly after its commercial release, the power was increased through minor changes to 1,193 kW (1,600 shp) for military use, the rating retained for later commercial use.
A total of 11,410 of the higher powered R-2600-8 engines were built between April 1940 and May 1944. This artifact powered a North American B-25 bomber. Others powered the Curtiss A-25, SB2C-1, SB2C1B, SB2C-2, SBN-1; Brewster SB2A-1, SB2A-2, SBA-3, SB2A; Grumman TBF-1, TBF, TBM-1; Can Car Spin 1.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Circa 1938
United States of America
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Wright Aeronautical
Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2-rows, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 1,268 kW (1,700 hp) at 2,500 rpm
Displacement: 42.7 L (2,603 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 155.6 mm (6.125 in.) x 160.3 mm (6.3125 in.)
Weight: 900.8 kg (1,986 lb)
Diameter 137.8 cm (54.25 in.), Length 164.7 cm (64.84 in.)
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic Metals
Paint
Unknown Coating
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
A19670015000
Transferred from the US Navy, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
National Air and Space Museum
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