Civilian R-790 Whirlwind J-5 (Half Cylinders)

The J-5 Whirlwind was a cornerstone aviation technology of the 1920s and 1930s. Charles L. Lawrance began work on the J-series of compact, lightweight, air-cooled radials for the U.S. Navy in 1921. The Navy merged Lawrance's firm with Wright Aeronautical in 1923 to further develop and manufacture the new engines. The J-5 had such advanced features as sodium-cooled exhaust valves and aluminum cylinder heads designed by engine pioneer Sam D. Heron.

The Whirlwind became the engine of choice for America's long-distance and exploratory fliers, including Charles Lindbergh, who chose a J-5 for the Spirit of St. Louis. This artifact, a military R-790-A, was the center engine on the Army Air Corps Fokker C-2 tri-motor “Question Mark,” which pioneered aerial refueling by setting an endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes over Los Angeles in 1929.

Commonly Found in Aircraft Such As:

Spirit of St. Louis, Fokker Trimotor, Ford Trimotor

-This Dummy Radial is Designed to be Hard Mounted on Your Models Firewall Using 30-min Epoxy. May also be Mounted Using Standoffs or Directly to the Cowling, 

-Constructed with a Metallic Finished Plastic, this Dummy Radial will be Sure to Add that Realistic Look to Any Model Aircraft.

-These Dummy Radials can be Painted or Glued Using Any Standard Hobby Grade Supplies.

-The Center is Hollow to Allow for Most Electric or Gasoline/Nitro Engines.

- Pushrod Holes are Incorporated into the Design to Accept Aluminum Tubing! (Not Included)

Need a Custom Size or Configuration? No Problem!

We will make you any size or configuration you need at no additional cost!