King-Bugatti U-16 Engine
Physical Description: Type: Reciprocating, 16 cylinders, U-type, liquid cooled Physical Description: Power rating: 306 kW (410 hp) at 2,000 rpm Physical Description: Displacement
Source record notes
Physical Description: Type: Reciprocating, 16 cylinders, U-type, liquid cooled Physical Description: Power rating: 306 kW (410 hp) at 2,000 rpm Physical Description: Displacement: 24.3 L (1,484 cu in) Physical Description: Bore and Stroke: 110 mm (4.3 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.) Physical Description: Weight (dry): 583 kg (1,286 lb) Summary: Ettore Bugatti designed the prototype of this engine in France during World War I. The U.S. Government's Bolling Commission, established to acquire European military aeronautical technology that could be built in America, purchased it because of its high performance potential and ability to mount a 37 mm cannon that could fire through the propeller hub. Duesenberg Motors was selected to produce the engine. Summary: Engineer Charles B. King and his team made significant changes to correct technical problems and make the engine suitable for U.S. production methods. Renamed the King-Bugatti, it passed its 50-hour military test in October 1918. Production was just beginning when the war ended. Duesenberg manufactured about 40 King-Bugattis by early 1919. None are known to have powered a U.S. aircraft. Dimensions: Length 112.4 cm (44.25 in.), Width 63 cm (24.8 in.), Height 82 cm (32.28 in.) (all dimensions approximate) Country of Origin: United States of America Designer: Charles B. King Manufacturer: Duesenberg Motors Corporation Designer: Ettore Bugatti Type: PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
- Period
- 1919
- Institution
- National Air and Space Museum
- Category
- Space & Aviation
Verified Smithsonian source · Original museum record · Image rights: CC0
Object ID: nasm_A19200007000
Media ID: media:NASM-NASM2022-01040-000001
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