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Some views of the display: | ||||||||||||||
The Engine On Display
The Museum possesses two Wasp radials.The description on the first states:
"535 HP Pratt and Whitney 'Wasp' 9 Cylinder Radial
This model, first produced in 1929, was by a USA company destined to become a world leader in its field. The aircooled radial engine to become a world leader in its field. The aircooled radial engine earned a fine reputation in the pre-war period. This engine has been partly cut away to show the operation of the cylinders and the crankshaft."
Type History
The Wasp was not properly a single engine, but a family of engines produced by Pratt & Whitney from the 1920s onwards, from the 450 HP of the initial R-1340 Wasp to the 4,300 HP R4360-51VDT Wasp Major that represented the culmination of radial-engine technology.The R-1340 powered many of the between-the-wars US fighter aircraft and transports. It was used by the T-6 Texan / Harvard / Wirraway trainers, and post-war in a range of applications, including agricultural aircraft and helicopters.
Notably, the aircraft that replaced the Wirraway, the Winjeel, used its "baby brother", the R-985 Wasp Junior, and the Australian wartime Boomerang fighter used its "big brother", the R-1830 Twin Wasp.
Specifications (R-1340-S3HI)
| Cubic capacity: | 1344 cu.in (22.02 L) |
| Maximum power: | 542 HP (404 kW) (ranged over 450-600 HP, 336-447 kW) |
| Weight: | 805 lb (365 kg) |