Many engines sought to replace the ubiquitous Curtiss OX-5, many of which remained following World War I. Kinner 5-cylinder radials were rugged, durable, reliable, and economical, but not considered elegant at any time during this company’s existence, and apparently never cowled. First introduced in 1927, they were used in military biplane aircraft as well as Kinner’s own monoplane.
The Kinner R-5, Series 2 engine was certificated in December 1935. A principal R-5 design change from previous Kinner engines was a greatly increased cooling area resulting from longer and more closely spaced fins on the cylinder heads.
This military version of the engine, the R-540-1, powered the Ryan PT-22 and PT-22A primary trainer aircraft. Other R-540 series engine models powered aircraft such as the Stearman PT-9 and Verville PT-10 as well as the Sikorsky H-4 helicopter. The firm rapidly declined from 1945.
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 1941
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Kinner Motors Incorporated
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 5 cylinders, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 119 kW (160 hp) at 1,850 rpm
Displacement: 8.85 L (540 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 172.4 kg (380 lb)
Dimensions
Storage (Stand): 4 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 6 in. × 4 ft. 2 in., 580lb. (132.1 × 106.7 × 127cm, 263.1kg)
3-D (Engine): 87 × 115.3 × 115.6cm (2 ft. 10 1/4 in. × 3 ft. 9 3/8 in. × 3 ft. 9 1/2 in.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Coating
Ceramic
Textile
Inventory Number
A19600109000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Central Museum
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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