Among the most successful early engines marketed in America were those designed and built by aviation pioneer and inventor Glenn Curtiss in his factory in Hammondsport, New York. Introduced in 1911 and variously known as a Model H or K, this engine was an enlarged and improved version of earlier Curtiss in-line power plants. Each cylinder in the engine had a single push rod and rocker arm, which operated the inlet and exhaust valves.
The Model K engine powered aircraft such as the Curtiss Models D and E.
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
1912
United States of America
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Glenn H. Curtiss
Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 4 cylinders, water cooled
Power rating: 30 kW (40 hp) at 1,500 rpm
Displacement: 4.1 L (251 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 102 mm (4 in.) x 127 mm (5 in.)
Weight: 79.5 kg (175 lb)
Length 50.8 cm (20.0 in.), Width 30.5 cm (12.0 in.), Height 77.5 cm (30.5 in.)
A19660008000
Found in the collection.
National Air and Space Museum
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