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Packard Model 1A-1551, In-line 6 Engine, ca. 1922. Creator: Packard Motor Car Company
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Packard Model 1A-1551, In-line 6 Engine, ca. 1922. Creator: Packard Motor Car Company
In early 1921, the Navy contracted with the Packard Motor Car Company, to develop the new Model 1A-1551 engine for its proposed ZR-1 airship, later named Shenandoah. The engine carried with it an instrument and control panel for the operator. A hand crank, with automatic engagement and disengagement and geared 10 to 1, was provided for starting. Due to the necessity of directing the exhaust away from the ship for side-by-side installations, the engines were designed so that they could be easily changed to run in either direction. Installed in " cars" attached to the airship, five Model 1A-1551 engines powered the Shenandoah, which made its first flight in October 1923. Mechanics controlled and serviced the engines in flight from these cars. In October 1924, the Shenandoah became the first airship to make a U.S. transcontinental trip. But, in September 1925, the Shenandoah broke up in a severe thunderstorm near Caldwell, Ohio, and crashed
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable Packard Model 1A-1551, an in-line 6 engine that was developed by the renowned Packard Motor Car Company in 1922. Originally commissioned by the Navy for their ambitious ZR-1 airship project, later named Shenandoah, this engine played a crucial role in aviation history. The Model 1A-1551 engine boasted innovative features such as an instrument and control panel for the operator's convenience. Equipped with a hand crank that automatically engaged and disengaged, starting this powerful engine was made effortless. Notably, these engines were designed to run in either direction to accommodate side-by-side installations and ensure efficient exhaust redirection away from the airship. Attached to "cars" on the Shenandoah airship, five of these groundbreaking engines provided unparalleled power during its historic flights. Mechanics onboard controlled and serviced these engines mid-flight from these cars, showcasing their exceptional reliability and functionality. In October 1924, the Shenandoah achieved yet another milestone as it became the first airship to successfully complete a transcontinental journey across the United States. However, tragedy struck when severe thunderstorms caused its untimely demise near Caldwell, Ohio in September 1925. Despite this unfortunate end for both ship and crew members aboard it at that time (not mentioned), we must acknowledge how significant this photograph is as a testament to technological advancements within early aviation history. The Packard Motor Car Company's contribution through their pioneering Model 1A-1551 engine will forever be remembered as a symbol of innovation and progress within aerospace engineering.
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