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The Wright vertical four-cylinder engine was designed by Orville Wright in 1906. These engines, of which more were built than any other Wright Brothers' engine model, were produced until approximately 1912. They were used during the U.S. Army and European demonstrations, which were crucial to the success of the Wright brothers and their airplanes. An engine of this type powered the Vin Fiz, the first U.S. transcontinental aircraft, and Wright Model B aircraft. A Wright B1 was the U.S. Navy’s second aircraft, which was first flown by Orville Wright on July 15, 1911, and later converted to a “hydroaeroplane.”

This particular engine was a keepsake of Orville Wright for many years. Wright gave the engine to his close and trusted friend, Jim Jacobs, who had been a mechanic with the original Wright Company. In 1948, the engine was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Jacobs' wife, Ruth.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age
Object Details
Date 1906 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Wright Company (Dayton, Ohio)
 Physical Description Engine Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, in-line, water cooled Power rating: 31 kW (42 hp) at 1,325 - 1,500 rpm Displacement: 3.9 L (240 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 111 mm (4.375 in.) x 102 mm (4 in.) Weight: 81.6 kg (180 lb.) Dimensions Overall: 1 m 3.5cm × 45.7cm × 68.6cm, 81.6kg (3 ft. 4.8 in. × 1 ft. 6 in. × 2 ft. 3 in., 180lb.)
Overall (Support (Each block)): 47.3cm × 7cm × 11.4cm (1 ft. 6.6 in. × 2.8 in. × 4.5 in.)
 Materials Metal
Plastic
Coating
 Inventory Number A19620037000 Credit Line Gift of the Family of James M. H. Jacobs Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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