Beginning in 1911, the Sturtevant Manufacturing Co. produced a number of engine models, all water cooled in-line vertical and V-types. Later absorbed into the family’s B.F. Sturtevant Co., which was a long time manufacturer of industrial fans; it was one of a number of early aircraft engine manufacturers whose products were very similar to automobile engines. This smallest of its engine models had L-head cylinders. Others had T-head cylinders, and the largest apparently was a twelve cylinder, 224 kW (300 hp) V-type.
A Herring-Burgess aircraft, of the 1910-11 period, was the first aircraft to use a Sturtevant engine, a model D-4, and is in the museum collection. However, it is not known at this time if this engine artifact was actually associated with the aircraft artifact.
Later, in 1915, the Sturtevant Aeroplane Co. was organized to build aircraft, and obviously used Sturtevant engines. The entire Sturtevant aviation venture was unsuccessful, ending after 1919.
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 1911
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Sturtevant Manufacturing Co.
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, In-line, Water cooled
Power rating: 41 kW (55 hp) at 1,700 rpm
Displacement: 4.7 L (286.28 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 114 mm (4.5 in.)
Weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
Dimensions
Storage (Current Open Crate): 104.1 × 60.5 × 76.2cm (41 × 23 13/16 × 30 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Lead Solder
Cork
Tin
Phenolic Resin
Inventory Number
A19610130002
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph Shoemaker
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
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