Summary
Lawrance Aero Engine Company was an American aircraft engine manufacturer. Founded by engine pioneer Charles Lawrance, it designed one of the first successful air-cooled radial engines. It existed for only 5 years, being acquired by Wright Aeronautical, a much larger company better able to mass-produce Lawrance's radial engines.
 | |
| Founded | 1917 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charles Lawrance |
| Defunct | 1923 |
| Fate | Acquired |
| Successor | Wright Aeronautical |
| Headquarters | , United States |
History edit
The Lawrance Aero Engine Company was founded in 1917.[2] After the end of World War I, the Lawrance engineers worked with both the Army and the Navy in developing their L-1 into a nine-cylinder radial engine, which became the 200 hp Lawrance J-1. It was the best American air-cooled engine at the time, and passed its 50-hour test in 1922.[3]
The United States Navy was very enthusiastic about air-cooled radials, but was concerned that Lawrance couldn't produce enough engines for its needs. The Navy suggested to Wright that it purchase the Lawrance company and build the J-1 itself. In May 1923, Lawrance was purchased by Wright Aeronautical, with the J-1 being further developed by Wright into the J-5, J-6, and R-795.[4]
Products edit
| Model name | Configuration | Power |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrance A-3 | O2 | 28 hp |
| Lawrance B | R3 | 35 to 60 hp[5] |
| Lawrance C-2 | ||
| Lawrance J-1 | R9 | 200 hp |
| Lawrance J-2 | ||
| Lawrance L-1 | R3 | 60 hp[6] |
| Lawrance L-2 | R3 | 50 hp[5] |
| Lawrance L-3 | R3 | 65 hp[7] |
| Lawrance L-4 | R3 | 65 hp[8] |
| Lawrance L-5 | ||
| Lawrance N-2 | 30 hp[9] | |
| Lawrance R-1 | R9 | 150 hp[5] |
References edit
Notes edit
- ^ "[Advertisement]". Aerial Age Weekly. 10 March 1919. p. 1365. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ Gunston, p. 125
- ^ Janes Fighting Aircraft of World War I by Michael John Haddrick Taylor (Random House Group Ltd. 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA, 2001, ISBN 1-85170-347-0), page 290
- ^ Gunston, p. 125, 244
- ^ a b c McCutcheon, Kimble D.; Huff, Randy. "The Genesis of American Air-Cooled Fixed Radials" (PDF). Aircraft Engine Historical Society. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "The Lawrance 60 H.P. Air Cooled Engine". Aerial Age Weekly. 17 March 1919. pp. 58–60. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Lawrance L-3 Radial Engine". National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Lawrance L-4". New England Air Museum. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Lawrance (US)". Aircraft Engine Historical Society. 21 October 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
Bibliography edit
External links edit
- Wright J-5 "Whirlwind" (PDF), by Kimble D. McCutcheon, from the Aircraft Engine Historical Society