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’s reliability and lower operating cost resulted in widespread use among many aircraft manufacturers. The R-540 was in the J-6 series, and was type certificated in March 1929. Later models produced up to 142 kW (190 shp). It powered such military aircraft as the Stearman PT-9, Verville PT-10, and Sikorsky H-4B. Civilian applications included the Curtiss Robin J1 and Curtiss-Wright Travel Air E-4000.

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.