Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone

The Wright R-2600 Cyclone 14 (also called Twin Cyclone) was an American radial engine developed by Curtiss-Wright and widely used in aircraft in the 1930s and 1940s.

R-2600
Wright R-2600 Cyclone radial engine
Type Radial engine
National origin United States
Manufacturer Wright Aeronautical
First run 1935
Major applications Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
Douglas A-20 Havoc
Grumman TBF Avenger
Martin PBM Mariner
North American B-25 Mitchell
Number built >50,000
Developed from Wright R-1820

History

In 1935, Curtiss-Wright began work on a more powerful version of their successful R-1820 Cyclone 9. The result was the R-2600 Twin Cyclone, with 14 cylinders arranged in two rows. The 1,600 hp (1,200 kW; 1,600 PS) R-2600-3 was originally intended for the C-46 Commando (being fitted to the prototype CW-20A). It was also the original engine choice for the F6F Hellcat; a running change (one which would not stop production) for the CW-20A, and one in late April 1942 for the second XF6F-1, led to the adoption of the 2,000 hp (1,500 kW; 2,000 PS) Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp in the R-2600's place for both designs.

The Twin Cyclone went on to power several important American World War II aircraft, including the A-20 Havoc, B-25 Mitchell, TBF Avenger, SB2C Helldiver, and the PBM Mariner.

Over 50,000 R-2600s were built at plants in Paterson, New Jersey, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Variants
  • R-2600-1 - 1,600 hp (1,194 kW)
  • R-2600-3 - 1,600 hp (1,194 kW)
  • R-2600-6 - 1,600 hp (1,194 kW)
  • R-2600-8 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW)
  • R-2600-9 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW)
  • R-2600-12 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW)
  • R-2600-13 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW)
  • R-2600-19 - 1,600 hp (1,194 kW), 1,660 hp (1,237 kW)
  • R-2600-20 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW), 1,900 hp (1,420 kW)
  • R-2600-22 - 1,900 hp (1,420 kW)
  • R-2600-23 - 1,600 hp (1,194 kW)
  • R-2600-29 - 1,700 hp (1,268 kW), 1,850 hp (1,380 kW)
  • GR-2600-A5B - 1,500 hp (1,118 kW), 1,600 hp (1,194 kW), 1,700 hp (1,268 kW)
  • GR-2600-A71 - 1,300 hp (969 kW)
  • GR-2600-C14 - 1,750 hp (1,304 kW)

Applications
Wright R-2600 Cyclone being fitted to a North American B-25 Mitchell, at North American Aviation, Inglewood, California

Specifications (GR-2600-C14BB)

Data from Jane's.[1]

General characteristics

  • Type: 14-cylinder supercharged air-cooled two-row radial engine
  • Bore: 6 ​1⁄8 in (155.6 mm)
  • Stroke: 6 ​5⁄16 in (160.3 mm)
  • Displacement: 2,604 in3 (42.7 L)
  • Length: 62.06 in (1,576 mm)
  • Diameter: 55 in (1,397 mm)
  • Dry weight: 2,045 lb (930 kg)

Components

Performance

  • Power output:
  • 1,750 hp (1,305 kW) at 2,600 rpm at 3,200 ft (975 m) military power
  • 1,450 hp (1,080 kW) at 2,600 rpm at 15,000 ft (4,575 m) military power
  • Specific power: 0.67 hp/in³ (30.6 kW/L)
  • Compression ratio: 6.9:1
  • Power-to-weight ratio: 0.86 hp/lb (1.40 kW/kg)

See also

Related development

Comparable engines

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. Jane's 1998, p. 317.
  2. Witold Liss (1967). The Lavochkin La 5 & 7, number 149. Profile publications Ltd., P.O. Box, 1a North Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK. p. 3

Bibliography
  • Gunston, Bill. World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines: From the Pioneers to the Present Day. 5th edition, Stroud, UK: Sutton, 2006. ISBN 0-7509-4479-X
  • White, Graham. Allied Aircraft Piston Engines of World War II: History and Development of Frontline Aircraft Piston Engines Produced by Great Britain and the United States During World War II. Warrendale, Pennsylvania: SAE International, 1995. ISBN 1-56091-655-9
  • Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London. Studio Editions Ltd, 1998. ISBN 0-517-67964-7
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