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.
Index of Wasp Major and R-4360 Designated Engines
(568K Acrobat File)
History of the R-4360 (764K Acrobat
File)
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
|
|
|