Curtiss E-4, In-Line 4 Engine

Object Details

Physical Description: Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 4 cylinders, water-cooled; Power rating: 14.9 KW (20 hp) at 450 rpm; Displacement: 6.4 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, operated at a lower than normal rotational speed. It was the first of Curtiss water-cooled engines, and the first 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 an 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).; After service at Fort Meyer and Omaha, this engine was replaced by another Curtiss Model E-4 engine, also in the museum’s collection.

1908

Materials: Metal; Wood; Coating
Dimensions: Approximate: 91.4 × 61 × 91.4cm, 113.4kg (3 × 2 × 3 ft., 250lb.); Support: 171.5 × 106.7 × 82.6cm (67 1/2 in. × 42 in. × 32 1/2 in.)

National Air and Space Museum

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9a71f8422-0b6d-4879-8e2f-963e5417e0a8