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Curtiss CD-12 Prototype (Serial Number 1) V-12 Engine, Circa1921
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Curtiss CD-12 Prototype (Serial Number 1) V-12 Engine, Circa1921
The CD-12 development history extended over several years, and involved a number of well regarded figures in the aircraft industry. Beginning in 1915, using the design skills of Charles Kirkham, and in competition with Wright which was licensed to build the popular Hispano-Suiza engine in the United States, Curtiss, then led by John North Willys, began development of the K-12 engine. A 224 kW (300 hp) engine weighing less than 454 kg (1, 000 lb) was a great challenge. So it was not surprising that the aluminum monoblock and several other advanced features, including the reduction gearing, presented substantial problems, appearing in various stages of the development process. Unable to overcome these difficulties, Kirkham left Curtiss in 1919. However, development continued under Arthur Nutt, and a derated CD-12, without the reduction gearing of the K-12, resulted in 1921. This further developed into the 1922 D-12, a successful engine for both racing and fighter aircraft
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This print showcases the impressive Curtiss CD-12 Prototype (Serial Number 1) V-12 Engine, circa 1921. The development history of this engine spans several years and involves renowned figures in the aircraft industry. In 1915, under the leadership of John North Willys, Curtiss embarked on a challenging journey to create the K-12 engine as competition against Wright's licensed production of the popular Hispano-Suiza engine in the United States. The task at hand was no small feat - designing a powerful 224 kW (300 hp) engine weighing less than 454 kg (1,000 lb). Charles Kirkham played a crucial role in its initial design stages but faced significant hurdles with advanced features like the aluminum monoblock and reduction gearing. Despite his departure from Curtiss in 1919 due to these difficulties, Arthur Nutt took over and continued refining the project. Finally, in 1921, their relentless efforts bore fruit with a derated version called CD-12 that omitted reduction gearing. This breakthrough marked an important milestone for Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company. Subsequently, it evolved into the successful D-12 engine by 1922 – highly sought after for both racing and fighter aircraft applications. This remarkable photograph immortalizes not just an extraordinary piece of engineering but also represents countless hours of dedication by talented individuals who pushed boundaries to revolutionize aviation technology during this era.
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