The J-5 Whirlwind was a cornerstone aviation technology of the 1920s and 1930s. Charles L. Lawrance began work on the J-series of compact, lightweight, air-cooled radials for the U.S. Navy in 1921. The Navy merged Lawrance's firm with Wright Aeronautical in 1923 to further develop and manufacture the new engines. The J-5 had such advanced features as sodium-cooled exhaust valves and aluminum cylinder heads designed by engine pioneer Sam D. Heron.
The Whirlwind became the engine of choice for America's long-distance and exploratory fliers, including Charles Lindbergh, who chose a J-5 for the Spirit of St. Louis. This artifact, a military R-790-A, was the center engine on the Army Air Corps Fokker C-2 tri-motor “Question Mark,” which pioneered aerial refueling by setting an endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes over Los Angeles in 1929.
- Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
- Power rating: 168 kW (225 hp) at 2,000 rpm
- Displacement: 12.9 L (788 cu in.)
- Bore and Stroke: 114 mm ( 4.5 in.) x 140 mm ( 5.5 in.)
- Weight: 231 kg (508 lb)
| Date | December 14, 1928 |
| Manufacturer | Wright Aeronautical |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Materials | Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Phenolic, Rubber, Copper, Preservative coating |
| Dimensions | 3-D (Engine): 107.9 × 115.6 × 90.2cm (3 ft. 6 1/2 in. × 3 ft. 9 1/2 in. × 2 ft. 11 1/2 in.) |
| Dimensions | 3-D (Overall with Stand): 113.3 × 132.1 × 147.3cm, 366.5kg (3 ft. 8 5/8 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 4 ft. 10 in., 808lb.) |
| Dimensions | 3-D (Stand Base): 132.1 × 113.3 × 16.2cm (4 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 8 5/8 in. × 6 3/8 in.) |
| Dimensions | 3-D (Prop Shaft Length): 24.4cm (9 5/8 in.) |
| Credit Line | Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps |
| Inventory Number | A19290017000 |
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