Among the most successful early engines marketed in the United States were those designed and built by aviation pioneer and inventor Glenn Curtiss in his factory in Hammondsport, New York. Early Curtiss engines were designed to power motorcycles. The Curtiss V-X was manufactured in Hammondsport and Buffalo beginning in 1915 to power the R series of Curtiss biplanes, especially the R-6 and R-9 training seaplanes and R-4 training landplane. Modified examples of the latter type were used by the Army in its 1916 operations on the Mexican border and for carrying U.S. mail.
With the advent of World War I, Curtiss concentrated its production on the 67 kW (90 hp) OX-5 engine which powered the JN-4D “Jenny” trainer aircraft. The U.S. Government's Liberty engine fulfilled the need for a higher power engine; therefore, the V-X engines were phased out before reaching large-scale production.
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 1915
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, V-type, 8 cylinders, water-cooled
Power rating: 134 kW (180 hp) at 1,400 rpm
Displacement: 18.0 L (1099.56 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 178 mm (7 in.)
Weight: Not available
Dimensions
Depth 142.3 cm (56 in.), Length 191.8 cm (75.5 in.), Width 113 cm (44.5 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Phenolic, Rubber, Copper, Ceramic, Textile, Nickel plating
Inventory Number
A19490021000
Credit Line
Gift of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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