The R-5 was a development of the earlier Kinner B-5, with slightly greater power and dimensions. The main change was the increase in cylinder bore from 117 mm (4.625 in) to 127 mm (5 in) and an increase in piston stroke from 133.3 mm (5.25 in) to 139.7 mm (5.5 in). This led to a corresponding increase in displacement from 7.2 liters (441 cu in) to 8.8 liters (540 cu in). The R-5 was a rough running but reliable engine. Thousands of the R-5 and its derivatives were produced, powering many World War II trainer aircraft. Its military designation was R-540.

• Fleet Finch Model R
• Howard DGA-18
• Kinner Sportwing
• Kinner Playboy
• Meyers OTW
• N2T Tutor
• Ryan PT-22 Recruit

R-5

R-53

R-55

R-56

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1938^[1]

General characteristics

• Type: 5-cylinder air cooled radial
• Bore: 5 in (130 mm)
• Stroke: 5.5 in (140 mm)
• Displacement: 540 cu in (8.8 L)
• Length: 32.3 in (820 mm)
• Height: 45.6 in (1,160 mm)
• Dry weight: 330 lb (150 kg)

Components

• Valvetrain: 1 inlet and 1 exhaust valve per cylinder
• Fuel system: 1 Stromberg carburetor
• Fuel type: 73 octane
• Oil system: Dry sump
• Cooling system: Air

Performance

• Power output: 160hp at 1,850 RPM max/113hp at 1,800 RPM cruise
• Compression ratio: 5.5:1
• Power-to-weight ratio: 0.48 hp/lb

Related development

• Kinner B-5

Comparable engines

• Armstrong Siddeley Mongoose
• Shvetsov M-11
• Warner Super Scarab
• Wright R-540

Related lists

• List of aircraft engines

• Gunston, Bill (1986). World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines. Wellingborough: Patrick Stephens. pp. 99–100.

• http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Duxford/usaero4.htm Archived 2019-06-03 at the Wayback Machine