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Wright R-975




The Wright Whirlwind was a family of 7 & 9-cylinder air-cooled radial aero-engines developed by the Wright Aeronautical Corporation . The first of the series the J-1 being constructed in 1923. The Whirlwind series of engines were widely used and produced. Many other engines of the 1930-40's being licensed copies or at least influenced by the Whirlwind family. Manufacturers such as Shvetsov and Hispano-Suiza produced licensed copies. The Whirlwind series showed that a modern radial engine, produced from lightweight materials could compete against heavier and more complex liquid cooled types.

In addition to its use in aircraft the R-975 was produced by Continental Motors for use in tanks and powered 1,000's of World War II allied vehicles.


SPECIFICATIONS (WHIRLWIND R-975-E3)

  type 9 cylinder air cooled radial engine
  bore 127mm (50 in)
  stroke 140mm (55 in)
  displacement 1594 Liters (973 cu in)
  length 1,046mm (4120 in)
  mount Diameter 489mm (1925 in)
  width mm (in)
  height 1,143mm (45 in)
  weight 299kg (660 lbs)
  valvetrain 1 inlet and 1 exhaust valve per cylinder
  supercharger yes
  fuelsystem 1 Stromberg carburetor
  fueltype 73 octane
  coolingsystem air
  power 420 hp @ 2,200 RPM
  compression 63:1
  power/weight 228lb/hp @ cruise speed




SPECIFICATIONS (WHIRLWIND R-760-E2)

  type 7 cylinder air cooled radial engine
  bore 127mm (50 in)
  stroke 140mm (55 in)
  displacement 1238 Liters (756 cu in)
  length 1,078mm (4243 in)
  mount Diameter 489mm (1925 in)
  width mm (in)
  height 1,143mm (45 in)
  weight 258kg (570 lbs)
  valvetrain 1 inlet and 1 exhaust valve per cylinder
  supercharger yes
  fuelsystem 1 Stromberg Carburetor
  fueltype 80 octane
  coolingsystem air
  power 320 hp @ 2,200 RPM
  compression 63:1
  power/weight 253lb/hp @ cruise speed




APPLICATIONS



CONTINENTAL R-975



DEVELOPMENT SEQUENCE

  • Lawrence J-1

  • Lawrence J-2

  • J-3

  • J-4 4.5" bore 5.5" stroke 9 cylinder

  • J-5 4.5" bore 5.5" stroke 9 cylinder (R-790)

  • J-6 5.0" bore 5.5" stroke 5 cylinder (R-540) 7 cylinder (R-760) 9 cylinder (R-975)



SEE ALSO



REFERENCES

  • http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Duxford/usaero16.htm

  • 1

  • EXTERNAL LINKS

  • http://www.pilotfriend.com/aero_engines/aero_j5.htm