Developed in 1927 with a rating of 429 kW (575 hp), the Wright Cyclone air-cooled engine gained favor among aircraft builders because of its high fuel economy, long service life, easy and economical maintenance, and low weight/horsepower ratio. Through progressive improvements, the rating of later models was raised to an impressive 895 kW (1,200 shp) for takeoff.
Air-cooled radial engines such as the Wright Cyclone and Pratt & Whitney Wasp became the standards for naval aircraft. Their advantages also appealed to designers of commercial air transports. With few exceptions, commercial air transports throughout the world relied on air-cooled radial engines until the advent of jet engines.
This R-1820-97 was manufactured under license by Studebaker. A total of 64,093 R-1820-97 engines were built between July 1942 and October 1943, more than any other model in the R-1820 series. The -97 powered the Boeing B-17E/F/G, Douglas B17F-DL/-19G-DL, Vega B17F-VE/17G-VE, and Northrop N-1-25A.
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
1936-1940
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Studebaker Corporation
Designer
Wright Aeronautical
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 895 kW (1,200 hp) at 2,500 rpm
Displacement: 29.88 L (1,823 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 155.6 mm (6.125 in.) x 174 mm (6.875 in.)
Weight (dry): 595 kg (1,310 lb)
Dimensions
3-D (on stand): 121.9 × 139.7 × 167.6cm, 596.5kg (4 ft. × 4 ft. 7 in. × 5 ft. 6 in., 1315lb.)
Overall (see note): 122.5 × 140cm, 596.5kg (4 ft. 1/4 in. × 4 ft. 7 1/8 in., 1315lb.)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A19660459000
Credit Line
Found in the collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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