Wright 6-70, In-line 6 Engine

Object Details

Physical Description: Type: Reciprocating, in-line, 6 cylinders, water-cooled; Power rating: 52 kW (70 hp) at 1,400 rpm; Displacement: 6.64 L (405 cu in); Bore and Stroke: 11.113 cm (4.375 in) x 11.430 cm (4.500 in); Weight (wet): 159 kg (350 lb)
Summary: The original Wright brothers engines were vertical, four cylinder types. In 1910, needing a more powerful engine for the Gordon Bennett Cup Race, a single V-8 was built for this major event, apparently using much of the original four cylinder design concept. However, the aircraft and engine were wrecked before the race.; Faced with the problem of providing increased power for production aircraft in 1911, but insisting on their original objective of simplicity, the Wright’s compromise was a vertical six-cylinder engine. The engine incorporated a flexible (rubber band) drive on the flywheel which greatly reduced vibration and considerably extended the life of the chain drive that operated the propellers. The Wright 6-70 powered the Wright Model D aircraft in 1913, and the model designation was derived from the number of cylinders and the horsepower. Originating as a 45 kW (60 hp) model, further development led to a 60 kW (80 hp) version.

Credit Line: Transferred from the Department of the Navy, Bureau of Aeronautics

Circa 1913

Materials: Metal
Dimensions: 3-D: 114.3 × 38.1 × 78.7cm (45 × 15 × 31 in.); Support: 62.9 × 100.3 × 52.1cm (24 3/4 in. × 39 1/2 in. × 20 1/2 in.)