Pratt & Whitney X-1800

The Pratt & Whitney X-1800 (later enlarged as the XH-2600) was an H-block aircraft engine project developed between 1938 and 1940, which was cancelled with only one example being built.

X-1800 (XH-2600)
Type 24-cylinder H-engine
National origin United States
Manufacturer Pratt & Whitney
First run 1940
Number built 1

Design and development

The X-1800 was a watercooled 24-cylinder H-block of 2,240 in3 displacement;[1] this was later expanded to 2,600 in3 displacement.[2] It was intended to be used in the Vultee XP-54, Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender, Northrop XP-56, Lockheed XP-49, and Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning. Projected performance was to be 1,800 to 2,200 hp (1350-1640 kW), with a turbocharger to secure high-altitude performance. The designation came from the intended power rating rather than the more usual cubic inch engine displacement figure.[3]

The target date for series production was 1942. In 1940, however, performance on the test bench did not continue to improve, demonstrating a need for considerable additional development effort. Pratt & Whitney subsequently ended development of the X-1800 in October 1940, with only one built, to concentrate on radial engines.

Intended applications

Specifications (X-1800)

General characteristics

  • Type: 24 cylinder H-engine
  • Bore: 5.25in (133.35mm)
  • Stroke: 5.00in (127mm)
  • Displacement: 2,597.7 cu in (42.57L)
  • Length: 107in (2.71m)
  • Dry weight: 2,400lb (1,089kg)

Components

Performance

  • Power output: 1,800 - 2,000 hp

See also

Related development

Comparable engines

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. Gunston 2006, p. 163.
  2. Connors, p. 147.
  3. Gunston 2000

Bibliography
  • Connors, Jack (2010). The Engines of Pratt & Whitney: A Technical History. Reston. Virginia: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. ISBN 978-1-60086-711-8.
  • Gunston, Bill (2006). World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines, 5th Edition. Phoenix Mill, Gloucestershire, England, UK: Sutton Publishing Limited. ISBN 0-7509-4479-X.
  • Gunston, Bill (1999). The Development of Piston Aero Engines, 2nd Edition. Sparkford, Somerset, England, UK: Patrick Stephens, Haynes Publishing. ISBN 0-7509-4478-1.
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