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This was among the largest piston engines ever successfully produced. Design began in early-1936, and the first engine ran in mid-1937. Development and early application was particularly troubled by catastrophic backfires. Used in a number of World War II era aircraft, the major application of the R-3350 was the Boeing B-29.

It continued to give useful service after the war, with one version being the first of its type to have exhaust turbines geared into the power system. The Wright Turbo-Compound Cyclone was the last and the most highly developed piston engine to be widely used in large military and commercial airplanes, and was used in air line service with the Douglas DC-7 and Lockheed Super Constellation.

The Wright R-3350-23 powered the Boeing B-29/A/B, RB-29A, and XB-29E aircraft. It also powered the: Consolidated B-32 and TB-32; Boeing XC-97, C-97, and YC-97; and Lockheed C-121A and YC-121B. More R-3350-23/-23A engines were built than any other R-3350 model.

 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 1942 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Wright Aeronautical
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 18 cylinders, 2-rows, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 1,641 kW (2,200 hp) at 2,800 rpm Displacement: 54.9 L (3,350 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 156 mm (6.1 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.) Weight: 1,210 kg (2,668 lb) Dimensions Length 193 cm (76 in.), Width 137.2 cm (54 in.), Depth 137.2 cm (54 in.)
 Materials Steel
Non-magnetic Metal
Paint
Rubber
Leather
Copper Alloy
Fabric
Ceramic
 Inventory Number A19490005000 Credit Line Gift of Wright Aeronautical Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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