The Union Gas Engine Company of Oakland, California began producing marine engines in 1885, and started experimental construction of an aircraft engine in 1915. In 1917, under Army and Navy supervision, that engine, with a pusher propeller, was the first to pass the U.S. government 50-hour test, which consisted of eight full throttle, six hour runs on consecutive days, followed by a tilting test.
Union engines were built primarily for use in lighter-than-air craft. A Union engine of this type powered a non-stop record 1,760 km (1,100 mile) flight of 25 hours from New York to Newfoundland on the U.S.N. Airship C-5 in 1919, an apparent trial for a later unaccomplished trans-Atlantic flight.
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 1917
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Union Gas Engine Company, Oakland, California
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, in-line type, water-cooled
Power rating: 92.05 kW (123.44 hp) at 1,387 rpm
Displacement: 11.33 L (691.14 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 121 mm (4.75 in.) x 165 mm (6.5 in.)
Weight: 221 kg (485 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 40 3/4 in. × 17 in. × 65 in. (103.5 × 43.2 × 165.1cm)
Approximate (Weighed with Stand): 337.5kg (744lb.)
Height 103.5 cm (40.75 in.), Width 43.2 cm (17 in.), Depth 165.1 cm (65 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Ceramic, Rubber, Textile, Preservative coating
Inventory Number
A19390028000
Credit Line
Gift of Stanley H. Page
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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