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.
J58 Mach 3+ Turbo/Ram Jet
ABOUT THIS ENGINE
• World’s first jet engine designed to operate at Mach3+, nearly 2,100mph, at 80,000 feet altitude.
• Still the fastest flying jet engine.
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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, Connecticut, USA
The Engine Evolution
Students
Visitors
Aircraft
Members
Curtiss OX-5 Engine
ABOUT THIS ENGINE
• One of the earliest engines in our collection, the Curtiss OX-5 was adapted from an earlier motorcycle 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
Get up Close & Personal
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.
Come get inspired
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Purchase your tickets in advance and come on in for a day filled of exploration and inspiration!
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Come learn the histories about our unique collection. Your guide will share the stories of our aviation and space artifacts and their individual histories.
