The R-1820 Cyclone began in 1927 at just 575 horsepower, but progressive development pushed later variants past 1,200 hp. The -97 dash number represents a wartime production standard built by Studebaker, an automaker pressed into aviation manufacturing, and it powered the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress among other types .
R-1820-97 Cyclone Engineering Details
The primary subject of this technical guide focuses on the Wright R-1820-97 Cyclone engine, engineered specifically for 9-Cylinder, Single-Row Radial, Air-Cooled applications. Below is an essential digest of this powertrain configuration.
• 9-cylinder single-row radial
• 29.88L displacement
• 1,200 hp at 2,500 rpm
• Studebaker-built under license
R-1820-97 Technical Data
29.88 L displacement from 9 cylinders; 1,200 hp at 2,500 rpm; bore and stroke 155.6 mm × 174 mm; dry weight 595 kg .
The Cyclone’s single-row layout kept the engine relatively compact compared to twin-row radials, but cooling nine large cylinders at high power demanded careful baffling. The R-1820’s reputation for fuel economy and long service life made it a favorite for transport and patrol aircraft before the war, and wartime demand exceeded Wright’s capacity, leading to licensed production at Studebaker . The -97 variant’s 1,200 hp rating represented the mature end of the Cyclone’s development curve.
| Configuration | 9-cylinder, single-row radial |
|---|---|
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Bore | 155.6 mm (6.125 in) |
| Stroke | 174 mm (6.875 in) |
| Displacement | 29.88 L (1,823 cu in) |
| Power | 1,200 hp @ 2,500 rpm |
| Weight | 595 kg (1,310 lb) |
| Fuel | Aviation gasoline |
Aircraft Powered by the R-1820-97
This engine model is deployed across various operational frameworks. Here is a breakdown of the typical machine or vehicle applications using this unit:
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Douglas C-47 (some variants), various patrol and transport aircraft
Pros & Advantages
Proven radial reliability; fuel-efficient for its era; long service life; licensed production expanded availability .
Cons & Disadvantages
Single-row layout limits displacement; heavy for its power class; cooling demands careful management at high power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What aircraft used the R-1820-97?
A1: The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was the most prominent application, with other patrol and transport aircraft also using the variant .
Q2: Who manufactured the R-1820-97?
A2: Wright Aeronautical designed it, but the -97 variant was manufactured under license by Studebaker during World War II .
Q3: How much horsepower did the R-1820-97 produce?
A3: 1,200 hp at 2,500 rpm .
The Cyclone was introduced in 1927 at 575 hp, roughly half the output of the -97 variant .