This 14-cylinder double-row radial engine had a single-stage two-speed centrifugal supercharger with an impeller diameter of 11 inches which had a blower ratio of 7.06:1 at slow speed and 10.06:1 at high speed. The engine could develop 1,700 HP at an intake manifold pressure of 44.3 inches of mercury. This engine competed with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800, which produced more power. Reportedly, when P&W learned that Wright had an R-2600 in development, the larger double-row R-2800 was conceived, in order to one-up its chief rival.
The engine was introduced into service in 1939 at a cost of $16,500. Among the many aircraft applications were the Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber (flown by the late President H.W. Bush who was shot down in the Pacific during World War II and rescued by a USN submarine), Douglas A-26 Invader, North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bomber (affectionately known by pilots as the “son of a bitch 2nd class”), and the Martin PBM Mariner flying boat.
| Engine Name | Wright R-2600 (Twin Cyclone) |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| Manufactured by: | Curtiss-Wright |
| Cylinder Configuration | radial |
| Number of Cylinders | 14 (7 x 2 rows) |
| Bore (inches) | 6.13 |
| Stroke (inches) | 6.31 |
| Displacement (cubic inches) | 2,604 |
| Fuel Type | gasoline |
| Electrical | magneto with dual spark ignition |
| Horsepower (max for T.O.) | 1,700 (for R-2600-9) |
| Rated RPM | 2,600 |
| Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 |
| Cooling System | air-cooled |
| Dry Weight (lb) | 2,045 |