Ardpol AC-003 Wright Whirlwind J5

The Wright Whirlwind J5 (another designation: R-790) was an American interwar aero engine manufactured by Wright Aeronautical Corporation. It was first tested in 1923. The engine generated a maximum power of 200-220 hp, with a displacement of 12.9 liters. The presented engine was developed in an evolutionary way, as a very far-reaching development of the Lawrence Aero Engine's J-1 engine, originally intended for US Navy aircraft. After Lawrence Aero Engine was acquired by Wright Aeronautical Corporation in the early 1920s, work on this engine accelerated, leading to the development of J-2 to J-4 power units. Very quickly, however, it was decided to completely redesign the engine, keeping only the same number of cylinders (i.e. 9) and the star system. On the other hand, the cooling system and air intake to the engine were completely changed, the durability of the engine, its reliability and fuel consumption were significantly improved. It is worth adding that J5 was licensed in France by Hispano-Suiza plants. The engine was used, among others, in such aircraft as, for example, Consolidated O-17 or Curtiss Fledgling.