Curtiss Challenger R-600, 2-Row, Radial 6 Engine
date: label: Date
content: Circa 1928
name: label: Manufacturer
content: Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company
notes: label: Physical Description
content: Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, two-row, radial, air-cooled
label: Physical Description
content: Power rating: 138 kW (185 hp) at 2,000 rpm
label: Physical Description
content: Displacement: 9.88 L (603 cu in.)
label: Physical Description
content: Bore and Stroke: 130 mm (5.125 in.) x 124 mm (4.875 in.)
label: Physical Description
content: Weight: 190.5 kg (420 lb)
label: Summary
content: The Challenger engine, which followed the water cooled Curtiss V-8 OX-5 engine that powered the World War I JN-4 “Jenny” trainer aircraft, was designed as a lower-cost, medium-power engine specifically intended for small commercial cabin aircraft and open cockpit sport planes. The engine received its original Approved Type Certificate (No. 5) in 1928, which was revised and re-issued in 1930.
label: Summary
content: The small, compact configuration of two staggered rows of three cylinders was intended to provide better dynamic balance and, thus, smoother operation, as well as low frontal area for improved airframe streamlining and better pilot visibility. However, although being economical, the Challenger did not run smoothly, and was frequently replaced by aircraft owners because of a vibration problem.
label: Summary
content: The Challenger powered a variety of aircraft types including the Curtiss Robin, Curtiss Fledgling, Curtiss Tanager, Curtiss-Wright Sedan 15-C, Command-Aire Model 5C3, and Eastman Sea Rover E-2.
place: label: Country of Origin
content: United States of America
setName: label: See more items in
content: National Air and Space Museum Collection
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Gift of Wright Aeronautical Corporation
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Air and Space Museum
identifier: label: Inventory Number
content: A19490008000
objectType: label: Type
content: PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
objectRights: label: Restrictions & Rights
content: CC0
physicalDescription: label: Materials
content: HAZMAT: Magnesium
label: Materials
content: Aluminum, Steel, Copper, Rubber, Paint, Preservative coating
label: Dimensions
content: Diameter 108.3 cm (42.6 in.)