In Depth: The Engine
wright power engine history anatomy performance use
Wright Power

The Wright Brothers had a clear concept of the role of engines in their aircraft: to provide reliable, sufficient power. The amount of power was determined as part of the overall design of the aircraft. The Vertical Four engine was the ultimate result of the Wrights' engine designs.

The Wright Story
Wright Engine #3How did the vertical design evolve from this 1903 engine?
Education Feature: What's the Wright amount of power?
Engine Specifications
Bore - 4 3/8 inches
Stroke - 4 inches
Displacement - 241 cubic inches
Compression ratio - 4.7:1
Horsepower - 35 hp @ 1400 rpm
Cooling - Liquid circulated by pump and radiator
Lubrication - Splash system, circulation by pump and gravity
Dry weight - 180 pounds
An Artifact with a Pulse
The Wright Experience owns the only operating original Wright Engine in the world-Vertical Four Serial #20. This presentation will investigate the engine in the following areas:
history Engine History: From an obscure letter written to Orville Wright, the team located and obtained the engine, and uncovered its amazing history.
Anatomy Anatomy: What's inside a Vertical Four? Step into the mind of Orville Wright.
Performance Performance: The engine was tested in a dynamometer at Delphi Automotive Labs to make complete study of its actual performance.
Use Use: The engine has a new life as a model for new Wright Vertical Four engines, and will also return to its original function as the powerplant of a brand new Wright Model "B".
 

©2001, The Wright Experience™

 

  

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U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission