Lawrance Aero Engine Company
| Fate | Acquired |
|---|---|
| Successor | Wright Aeronautical |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Founder | Charles Lawrance |
| Defunct | 1923 |
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.[1] 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.[2]
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.[3]
Products
- Lawrance A-3
- Lawrance C-2 1917
- Lawrance J-1
- Lawrance J-2
- Lawrance L-1
- Lawrance L-2
- Lawrance L-3
- Lawrance L-4 a.k.a. Wright Gale
- Lawrance L-5
References
- 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.
External links
- Wright J-5 "Whirlwind" (PDF), by Kimble D. McCutcheon, from the Aircraft Engine Historical Society