Studebaker Aircraft Engines

Founded in 1852, the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company produced wagons, including the famed Conestoga wagon. The Studebaker Automobile Company began producing electric cars in 1902, gasoline-powered vehicles in 1904, and grew to prominance as a producer of durable and reliable vehicles. During WWII Studebaker manufactured military trucks, personnel carriers, and Wright R-1820 engines under license. The company even attempted an engine for post-war general aviation. Studebaker also designed the largest U.S. piston engine, the XH-9350, from which the U.S. Air Force expected to get more than 5,000 hp.

Studebaker’s XH-9350 and Their Involvement with Other Aircraft Engines
By William Pearce

Before the United States entered World War II, the Army Air Corps conceptualized a large aircraft engine for which fuel efficiency was the paramount concern. It was believed that such an engine could power bombers from North America to attack targets in Europe, a tactic that would be needed if the United Kingdom were to fall. This engine project was known as MX-232, and Studebaker was tasked with its development. After years of testing and development, the MX-232 program produced the Studebaker XH-9350 engine design.

Although a complete XH-9350 engine was not built, Studebaker’s XH-9350 and Their Involvement with Other Aircraft Engines details the development of the MX-232 program and the XH-9350 design. In addition, the book covers Studebaker’s work with other aircraft engines: the power plant for the Waterman Arrowbile, their licensed production of the Wright R-1820 radial engine during World War II, and their licensed production of the General Electric J47 jet engine during the Korean War.

Contents

Preface
1. Studebaker History
2. Waldo Waterman and the Arrowbile
3. Studebaker-Built Wright R-1820 Cyclone
4. XH-9350 in Context
5. XH-9350 in Development
6. XH-9350 in Perspective
7. Studebaker-Built GE J47 Turbojet
Conclusion
Appendix: MX-232 / XH-9350 Documents
Bibliography
Index

Book Description

Softcover
8.5 in x 11 in
214 pages (222 total page count)
Over 185 images, drawings, and tables, and over 75,000 words
ISBN 978-0-9850353-1-0
List Price: $19.99 USD

Studebaker’s XH-9350 and Their Involvement with Other Aircraft Engines is available at Amazon.com.
If you wish to purchase the book with a check, please contact Old Machine Press for arrangements.

Sample Pages