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- Roberts 4X In-line 4 Engine
Roberts 4X In-line 4 Engine
Object Details
- Physical Description
- Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, in-line, two-stroke cycle, water cooled
- Power rating: 48.5 kW (65 hp) at 1,200 rpm
- Displacement: 6.44 L (393 cu in.)
- Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 127 mm (5 in.)
- Weight: 77.1 kg (170 lb)
- Summary
- An important objective of the Roberts Motor Company design was light weight, which was achieved through the extensive use of aluminum and magnesium alloys in the cylinders and crankcase, a hollow crankshaft, and two-stroke cycle operation (to reduce parts count). Between 1911 and 1912, Roberts engines were used by many noted exhibition pilots, and more Roberts engines were said to be built than by Hall-Scott and Curtiss combined.
- This engine was purchased by Oscar R. Solbrig of Davenport, Iowa, to power the Curtiss-type pusher aircraft he built in 1911-12. Solbrig, who had received aviation training from Curtiss, soloed in his own aircraft in 1912. He later flew exhibition flights and races with it at county fairs, sports events, and exposition parks in Iowa and Illinois. This artifact is apparently rare because the standard Roberts 4X engine used a 114 mm (4.5 in.) bore, resulting in a 5.21 L (318 cu. in,) displacement.
- Credit Line
- Gift of Arthur. J. Hartman
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Date
- 1912
- Inventory Number
- A19560015000
- Manufacturer
- Roberts Motor Company (Sandusky, Ohio)
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Type
- PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
- Materials
- HAZMAT: Magnesium
- Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Textile, Rubber, Copper, Phenolic, Ceramic
- Dimensions
- Height 63.5 cm (25 in.), Width 61 cm (24 in.), Depth 102.9 cm (40.5 in.)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Record ID
- nasm_A19560015000
- Usage
- CC0
Related Object Groups
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