R-4360

The Pratt & Whitney R-4360 "Wasp Major" was the largest  aircraft piston engine to be mass produced in the United States. Although it found extensive military application, its 28 cylinders, 56 manually-adjustable valves, and 56 spark plugs prevented it from finding favor with the airlines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R-4360 Firing Order

Cylinder rows are designated A through D from anti-propeller end to propeller end. Cylinder banks are designated 1 through 7, with numbers increasing clockwise, cylinder 1 being the topmost cylinder. Master rods are located in cylinders A7, B4, C4 and D1.

 

R-4360 Cutaway at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington
Submitted by Robert Wahlgren

 

QEC on the Boeing maintenance stand, propeller is on right

Carburetor and induction piping

Cylinder and intake manifold with oil drain hose

Left upper engine mount to airframe attach point

Exhaust manifold

Left rear showing generator and cowl flap motor

Engine mount to case

Right side showing generator with cooling hose, starter under it and fire detection sensors

R-4360 Cutaway Preparation

 

 

Index of Wasp Major and R-4360 Designated Engines (568K Acrobat File)

History of the R-4360 (764K Acrobat File)

R-4360 Service History for C-97 and KC-97 Aircraft in Air National Guard Units

 

R-4360 Gallery (Warning! Large Files)

 

Crankcase and Crankshaft

Part Finishing Processes

Cross Section

VDT Schematic

The Variable Discharge Turbocharger (VDT) concept was meant to produce over 4,000 HP and allow piston-powered airliners to fly non-stop from Chicago to London.

VDT 3/4 Rear View

Exhaust ducts, intake ducts, turbochargers and aftercooler dwarf the already large R-4360 engine

R-4360 with Remote Gearbox

This fan-cooled engine with a remotely-mounted propeller reduction gear was used in the Northrop XB-35 "Flying Wing."

Right Side

Right Front

B6 Oil Flow

 

Home Up Next

Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002-2010 Aircraft Engine Historical Society