Lawrance Aero Engine Company
Founded1917 (1917)
FounderCharles Lawrance
Defunct1923 (1923)
FateAcquired
SuccessorWright Aeronautical
Headquarters,
United States

Lawrance Aero Engine Company was an American aircraft engine manufacturer. Founded by engine pioneer Charles Lawrance, it designed one of the first successful air-cooled radial engines. It existed for only 5 years, being acquired by Wright Aeronautical, a much larger company better able to mass-produce Lawrance's radial engines.

History

The Lawrance Aero Engine Company was founded in 1917.[2] After the end of World War I, the Lawrance engineers worked with both the Army and the Navy in developing their L-1 into a nine-cylinder radial engine, which became the 200 hp Lawrance J-1. It was the best American air-cooled engine at the time, and passed its 50-hour test in 1922.[3]

The United States Navy was very enthusiastic about air-cooled radials, but was concerned that Lawrance couldn't produce enough engines for its needs. The Navy suggested to Wright that it purchase the Lawrance company and build the J-1 itself. In May 1923, Lawrance was purchased by Wright Aeronautical, with the J-1 being further developed by Wright into the J-5, J-6, and R-795.[4]

Products

Lawrance L-3
Model name Configuration Power
Lawrance A-3 O2 28 hp
Lawrance B R3 35 to 60 hp[5]
Lawrance C-2
Lawrance J-1 R9 200 hp
Lawrance J-2
Lawrance L-1 R3 60 hp[6]
Lawrance L-2 R3 50 hp[5]
Lawrance L-3 R3 65 hp[7]
Lawrance L-4 R3 65 hp[8]
Lawrance L-5
Lawrance N-2 30 hp[9]
Lawrance R-1 R9 150 hp[5]

References

Notes

  1. "[Advertisement]". Aerial Age Weekly. 10 March 1919. p. 1365. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  2. Gunston, p. 125
  3. Janes Fighting Aircraft of World War I by Michael John Haddrick Taylor (Random House Group Ltd. 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA, 2001, ISBN 1-85170-347-0), page 290
  4. Gunston, p. 125, 244
  5. 1 2 3 McCutcheon, Kimble D.; Huff, Randy. "The Genesis of American Air-Cooled Fixed Radials" (PDF). Aircraft Engine Historical Society. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  6. "The Lawrance 60 H.P. Air Cooled Engine". Aerial Age Weekly. 17 March 1919. p. 58–60. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  7. "Lawrance L-3 Radial Engine". National Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  8. "Lawrance L-4". New England Air Museum. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  9. "Lawrance (US)". Aircraft Engine Historical Society. 21 October 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2021.

Bibliography

  • Gunston, Bill (2006). World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines, 5th Edition. Phoenix Mill, Gloucestershire, England, UK: Sutton Publishing Limited. p. 79. ISBN 0-7509-4479-X.
  • Smith, Herschel (1981). Aircraft Piston Engines. McGraw-Hill Inc. ISBN 0-07-058472-9.
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