Object Details
- Manufacturer
- Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
- Physical Description
- Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, water cooled, in-line type
- Power rating: 14.9 kW (20 hp) at 450 rpm
- Displacement: 6.44 L (393 cu in)
- Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in) x 127 mm (5 in)
- Weight: 114 kg (250 lb)
- Summary
- It is believed this artifact is a 37 kW (50 hp) Curtiss E-4, Serial Number 1, operated at a lower than normal rotational speed. It was the first of Curtiss water-cooled engines, and the second of two engines to power the U.S. Army Signal Corps Dirigible No. 1, the first U.S. military airship. The engine drove a tubular steel shaft about 6.7 m (22 ft) long on which was mounted a wooden propeller designed by Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge.
- In 1908, the Signal Corps awarded Thomas Baldwin a contract for the construction of the airship not to exceed 36.6 m (120 ft), to be completely maneuverable, and to obtain a speed of 32 km/hr (20 mph). Baldwin piloted the airship, and Glenn Curtiss was the engineer. In the official speed run, the Baldwin airship reached 31.38 km/hr (19.61 mph).
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. Gould Dietz
- 1908
- Inventory Number
- A19280012000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19280012000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9745ed437-bf01-422d-b725-932b6aec335d
