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

 

 

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