Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

Wright Cyclone Engine Specs

Curtis-Wright designed the Cyclone family of radial aircraft engines in the 1930's for commercial and military aircraft. A Wright Cyclone engine is on permanent display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Radial Pistons
- In radial aircraft engines the pistons surround the crankshaft.
  
  The Cyclone radial engine employed 9 pistons arranged in a circle around a central crankshaft shaft. The primary master piston is connected directly to the crank by a push rod and the other pistons are connected to rings around the edge of the primary piston connecting rod.
Horsepower Rating
- The Cyclone engine is found in several different sizes and horsepower ratings. The R-1820 variants ranged in output from 575 horsepower on the Cyclone 1820-1 all the way up to the 1525 horsepower on 1820-82.
Builder's Choice
- The Wright Cyclone engine gained favor with civilian and military aircraft manufacturers because the engine is air cooled and reliable, and has high fuel economy. According to the Smithsonian Institute, Cyclone radial engines powered the B-17 Flying Fortress in World War II.

Aviation