Engines Galore!

How long does it take to build an engine? How many people are involved in designing an engine? Come find out!

From the earliest piston engines to rocket engines, the Aerospace Museum of California is one of the few museums that allows you to get up close and personal with our engine artifacts. Touch and interact with these magnificent pieces of aviation and aerospace history.

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J58 MACH 3+ TURBO/RAM JET

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• Intended for continuous operation at extreme high speeds.
• This engine was the first to accommodate 2000℉ gas into the turbine, while the afterburner exhaust reaches 3200℉

Engine Specs

Era: 1956-1990

Technology: 9-Stage Compressor, two-stage turbine, Turbo-jet with Bleed Bypass “Ram-jet” cycle

Power: 34,000 pounds at takeoff

Weight: 6,500 pounds

Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford, CT

The Engine Evolution

Discover the history behind these extraordinary engines with our docents. Come explore the evolution of engine design and craftsmanship. Learn how all of these factors informed aviation technology to this day.

Students

Visitors

Aircaft

Members

CURTISS OX-5 ENGINE

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• Primary use was in the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” elementary pilot training airplane.
• It needed to be hand-lubricated by a mechanic every 5 hours to keep it running.
• This engine was water cooled with a radiator just like in your car.

Engine Specs

Era: 1913-1919

Technology: Water-cooled V8

Power: 90 horsepower

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The History Behind the Engines

Our knowledgeable docents can teach you the history behind the engines, the evolution of their design and craftsmanship. Learn how all of these things informed aviation technology to this day. From the earliest piston engines to rocket engines, the Aerospace Museum of California is one of the few museums that allows you to get up close and personal with our engine artifacts. Touch and interact with these magnificent pieces of aviation and aerospace history.

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Come Explore. Discover. Be Inspired

Tickets

Purchase your tickets in advance and come on in for a day filled of exploration and inspiration!

Events

Watch a rocket launch, explore aerospace careers, or join us for craft beer tasting - activities for all ages!

Group Tours

Looking for hands-on activities? Come on in for a guided tour and leave today’s lesson planning to us!

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GROUP TOURS NOW AVAILABLE

Come learn the histories about our unique collection. Your guide will share the stories of our aviation and space artifacts and their individual histories.

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