Kirkham, Vertically-Opposed 6 Engine, Experimantal, 1929. Creator: Charles B. Kirkham

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Kirkham, Vertically-Opposed 6 Engine, Experimantal, 1929. Creator: Charles B. Kirkham

Charles B. Kirkham of Savona, N.Y. one of the earliest and best known airplane engine designers and builders, originally built motorcycle engines, and did casting and machining for Glenn Curtiss, whose Hammondsport factory was nearby. Between 1910 and 1912, Kirkham designed and built his own engines. From 1915 to 1919, he was Chief Engineer for the Curtiss Airplane and Motor Corporation; later founding his own company. Kirkham designed, tooled up, and built this engine in 1929. It is believed to be the first vertically-opposed air-cooled engine. It was an experimental design and was equipped with a supercharger. Although it may have been a good engine, there apparently were no suitable airplanes for its unconventional shape

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Media ID 23877485

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Air And Space Museum Aircraft Aviation Engine Flight Nasm National Air And Space Museum Propulsion Propulsion Reciprocating Rotary Reciprocating Motion Rotary Engine Air Transport Charles B Kirkham

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the groundbreaking Kirkham, Vertically-Opposed 6 Engine, Experimantal from 1929. Created by Charles B. Kirkham, a renowned airplane engine designer and builder, this engine represents his innovative spirit and expertise in the field of aviation. Charles B. Kirkham was an exceptional engineer who initially gained recognition for designing motorcycle engines and providing casting and machining services to Glenn Curtiss. His passion for flight led him to design his own engines between 1910 and 1912 before becoming Chief Engineer for the Curtiss Airplane and Motor Corporation from 1915 to 1919. Intriguingly, this particular engine is believed to be the first vertically-opposed air-cooled engine ever constructed. Equipped with a supercharger, it boasted an unconventional shape that unfortunately lacked suitable aircrafts during its time. The photograph captures the essence of American ingenuity in the early twentieth century. The aluminum steel paint ceramic copper phenolic rubber materials used in its construction highlight both technological advancements and craftsmanship of that era. Preserved at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), this remarkable piece serves as a testament to Charles B. Kirkham's contributions to aviation history. It stands as a symbol of his relentless pursuit of innovation in propulsion systems. As we admire this heritage art piece today, let us appreciate not only its aesthetic beauty but also recognize how it represents our country's rich legacy in scientific institutions like NASM - where knowledge is preserved for generations to come.

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