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The J-5 Whirlwind was a cornerstone aviation technology of the 1920s and 1930s. Charles L. Lawrance began work on the J-series of compact, lightweight, air-cooled radials for the U.S. Navy in 1921. The Navy merged Lawrance's firm with Wright Aeronautical in 1923 to further develop and manufacture the new engines. The J-5 had such advanced features as sodium-cooled exhaust valves and aluminum cylinder heads designed by engine pioneer Sam D. Heron.

The Whirlwind became the engine of choice for America's long-distance and exploratory fliers, including Charles Lindbergh, who chose a J-5 for the Spirit of St. Louis. This artifact, a military R-790-A, was the center engine on the Army Air Corps Fokker C-2 tri-motor “Question Mark,” which pioneered aerial refueling by setting an endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes over Los Angeles in 1929.

 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 December 14, 1928 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Wright Aeronautical
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 168 kW (225 hp) at 2,000 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 3-D (Engine): 107.9 × 115.6 × 90.2cm (3 ft. 6 1/2 in. × 3 ft. 9 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 11 1/2 in.)
3-D (Overall with Stand): 113.3 × 132.1 × 147.3cm, 366.5kg (3 ft. 8 5/8 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 4 ft. 10 in., 808lb.)
3-D (Stand Base): 132.1 × 113.3 × 16.2cm (4 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 8 5/8 in. × 6 3/8 in.)
3-D (Prop Shaft Length): 24.4cm (9 5/8 in.)
 Materials Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Phenolic, Rubber, Copper, Preservative coating
 Inventory Number A19290017000 Credit Line Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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