This was among the largest piston engines ever successfully produced. Design began in early-1936, and the first engine ran in mid-1937. Development and early application was particularly troubled by catastrophic backfires. Used in a number of World War II era aircraft, the major application of the R-3350 was the Boeing B-29.
It continued to give useful service after the war, with one version being the first of its type to have exhaust turbines geared into the power system. The Wright Turbo-Compound Cyclone was the last and the most highly developed piston engine to be widely used in large military and commercial airplanes, and was used in air line service with the Douglas DC-7 and Lockheed Super Constellation.
The Wright R-3350-23 powered the Boeing B-29/A/B, RB-29A, and XB-29E aircraft. It also powered the: Consolidated B-32 and TB-32; Boeing XC-97, C-97, and YC-97; and Lockheed C-121A and YC-121B. More R-3350-23/-23A engines were built than any other R-3350 model.
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
ca. 1942
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Wright Aeronautical
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 18 cylinders, 2-rows, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 1,641 kW (2,200 hp) at 2,800 rpm
Displacement: 54.9 L (3,350 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 156 mm (6.1 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.)
Weight: 1,210 kg (2,668 lb)
Dimensions
Length 193 cm (76 in.), Width 137.2 cm (54 in.), Depth 137.2 cm (54 in.)
Materials
Steel
Non-magnetic Metal
Paint
Rubber
Leather
Copper Alloy
Fabric
Ceramic
Inventory Number
A19490005000
Credit Line
Gift of Wright Aeronautical Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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