Curtiss Model K (engine)

The Curtiss Model K was an early aircraft piston engine with four inline cylinders.

Model K
Curtiss Model K aircraft engine on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Type Piston aero engine
National origin United States
Manufacturer Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
Designed by Glenn H. Curtiss
Major applications Curtiss Model D

"Among the most successful early engines marketed in the United States were those designed and built by aviation pioneer and inventor Glenn Curtiss in his factory in Hammondsport, New York. Curtiss introduced the Model K in 1911. This engine was an enlarged and improved version of an earlier Curtiss in-line air- and water-cooled power plant. Each cylinder in the engine had a single push rod and rocker arm, which operated the inlet and exhaust valves."[1]

"The Model K powered the Curtiss Type D pusher airplane, the U.S. Army's second aircraft after the 1909 Wright Military Flyer."[1]

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Type: 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled inline piston aircraft engine
  • Displacement: 251 cubic inches (4.1 l)
  • Length: 20 inches (508 mm)
  • Width: 12 inches (305 mm)
  • Height: 30.5 inches (770 mm)
  • Dry weight: 175 pounds (79.4 kg)

Components

  • Cooling system: liquid-cooled

Performance

  • Power output: 40 horsepower (30 kW) at 1500 rpm

Notes
  1. This article contains material that originally came from the placard at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
  • "In-line 4, Curtiss Model K". Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
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