Charles Lawrance, originally a race car engine designer, built his first air-cooled aircraft engine in 1921 for a Navy contract. The 149 kW (200 hp) nine-cylinder J-1 satisfied a Navy need for a compact lightweight engine for use on aircraft carriers and not plagued with water leakage problems.

Progressing through design stages, the Whirlwind’s reliability and lower operating cost resulted in widespread use among many aircraft manufacturers. The most famous Wright Whirlwind application was th J-5 used in the 1927 New York-to-Paris flight of Charles Lindbergh. In 1928, Charles Lawrance was awarded the Collier Trophy for the outstanding performance of his engines based on records set in 1927.

The R-760 was in the seven cylinder J-6 series, with a rating approved in late-1935. This artifact is installed in the Travel Air D4D Pepsi Skywriter, a three-place, open cockpit biplane on display at the museum, and which originated in 1930.

 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 1930s Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 7 cylinders, radial, air-cooled, supercharged Power rating: 239 kW (320 hp) at 2,200 rpm Dispacement: 12.4 L (756 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.) Weight: 254 kg (560 lb) Dimensions Diameter 114.3 cm (45.0 in.), Length 107.8 cm (42.44 in.) (Dimensions for R-760-E1)
 Inventory Number A20060099000 Credit Line Gift of Mike Connors, Leesburg, FL Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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