This was among the largest piston engines ever successfully produced. Design began in early-1936, and the first engine ran in mid-1937. Particularly troubled by catastrophic backfires during development and early application, the R-3350 powered a number of World War II era aircraft, the major application being 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. Used in airline service with the Douglas DC-7 and Lockheed Super Constellation, 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.

An improved version of the -23A, produced in greater quantity than any other R-3350 model, Wright built only 8 engines of the R-3350-65 model between March and September 1946.

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

1946

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: 1,864 kW (2,500 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: 1,250.6 kg (2,757 lb)

Dimensions

3-D: 193 × 142.2 × 143.5cm, 1250.6kg (6 ft. 4 in. × 4 ft. 8 in. × 4 ft. 8 1/2 in., 2757lb.)

Materials

HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Aluminum Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Rubber
Wood
Fiberglass
Paint
Adhesive Tape
Paper
Adhesive

Inventory Number

A19600121000

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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