Charles Lawrance, originally a race car engine designer, built his first air-cooled aircraft engine in 1921 for a Navy contract. The 149 kW (200 hp) J-1 satisfied a Navy need for a compact lightweight engine for use on aircraft carriers and not plagued with water leakage problems.

Progressing through design stages, the Whirlwind used advanced engineering features; such as sodium cooled exhaust valves and aluminum cylinder heads. Despite its higher initial cost relative to other engines available at the time, its reliability and lower operating cost resulted in widespread use among many aircraft manufacturers. The Wright Whirlwind J-5 engine powered aircraft such as the Fokker F-7, Ford 4-AT Trimotor, Pitcairn PA-5, and Fairchild FC-2.

The most famous Wright Whirlwind application was the 1927 New York-to-Paris flight of Charles Lindbergh. In 1928, Charles Lawrance was awarded the Collier Trophy for the outstanding performance of his engines based on records set in 1927.

 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 1929 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Designer Lawrance Aero Engine Corp
 Manufacturer Wright Aeronautical
 Physical Description Type: Radial, 9 cylinders, air-cooled Power rating: 149 kW (200 hp) at 1,800 rpm Displacement: 12.9 L (788 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in) x 140 mm (5.5 in) Weight: 231 kg (508 lb) Dimensions Overall: 508lb. (230.4kg)
Other (Engine): 3 ft. 9 in. × 2 ft. 10 in. (114.3 × 86.4cm)
Storage (Stand): 4 ft. 7 in. × 4 ft. 6 in. (139.7 × 137.2cm)
 Materials Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Paint
Unknown Coating
Copper Alloy
Phenolic Resin
 Inventory Number A19860038000 Credit Line Gift of Mr. Danay Adams Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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