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Charles Lawrance designs for air-cooled engines began in 1915. In 1921, his own company’s J-1 149 kW (200 hp) engine was designed for the Navy. Wanting a better, compact, lightweight engine not plagued with water leakage problems for use on aircraft carriers; the Navy encouraged the 1923 merger with the larger Wright Aeronautical Corporation. The Lawrance engine then progressed through the Wright Whirlwind J-3, J-4, J-5, and J-6 series, the most famous being the J-5 which powered Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis.

This improved J-6 engine was designed by Wright and built under license by Continental Aviation and Engineering Corporation. Post-World War II R-975 engines powered Kaman and Piasecki helicopters, as well as the McDonnell XV-1 convertiplane. In the early 1960s, this engine powered U.S. Navy Piasecki HUP-2 and HUP-3 helicopters. The HUP helicopters were variously utilized for shipboard utility and rescue duties; some were modified for anti-submarine warfare missions.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa World War II Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Continental, Inc.
 Designer Wright Aeronautical
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air cooled Power rating: 410 kW (550 hp) at 2,400 rpm Displacement: 16 L (975 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5.0 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.) Weight: 331 kg (730 lb) Dimensions Diameter 115.6 cm (45.5 in.), Length 107.7 cm (42.4 in.) (Dimensions for R-975-42)
 Inventory Number A19690364000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Navy, Naval Supply Center, National City, California Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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