Object Details
- Designer
- Charles B. King
- Manufacturer
- Duesenberg Motors Corporation
- Designer
- Ettore Bugatti
- Physical Description
- Type: Reciprocating, 16 cylinders, U-type, liquid cooled
- Power rating: 306 kW (410 hp) at 2,000 rpm
- Displacement: 24.3 L (1,484 cu in)
- Bore and Stroke: 110 mm (4.3 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.)
- Weight (dry): 583 kg (1,286 lb)
- Summary
- Ettore Bugatti designed the prototype of this engine in France during World War I. The U.S. Government's Bolling Commission, established to acquire European military aeronautical technology that could be built in America, purchased it because of its high performance potential and ability to mount a 37 mm cannon that could fire through the propeller hub. Duesenberg Motors was selected to produce the engine.
- Engineer Charles B. King and his team made significant changes to correct technical problems and make the engine suitable for U.S. production methods. Renamed the King-Bugatti, it passed its 50-hour military test in October 1918. Production was just beginning when the war ended. Duesenberg manufactured about 40 King-Bugattis by early 1919. None are known to have powered a U.S. aircraft.
- Credit Line
- On Loan from the War Department, Air Service, Washington, D.C.
- 1919
- Inventory Number
- A19200007000
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Type
- PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
- Dimensions
- Length 112.4 cm (44.25 in.), Width 63 cm (24.8 in.), Height 82 cm (32.28 in.) (all dimensions approximate)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Location
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
- Hangar
- Boeing Aviation Hangar
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19200007000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv98ee8170f-ecf9-4ddc-b904-f5ed0b4ceaf5
