Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp
The Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp was an american aircraft engine widely used in the 1930’s and 1940’s years. Of classic design as a 14 cylinders in two-row air-cooled radial, its first model developed 800hp while the latest versions developed 1200hp.
A total of 173.618 R-1830 was built and they were fitted on famous aircrafts like the C-47 Dakota, PBY Catalina, B-24 Liberator and many others aircrafts.
BAPA’s R-1830-92 once powered the Publi-Air’s C-47 registered N49AG in the 1990’s until an engine change declare it non-serviceable.
Given to the Dakota museum at Melsbroek to help at their C-47 restoration, it was eventually given to our association.
A total of 173.618 R-1830 was built and they were fitted on famous aircrafts like the C-47 Dakota, PBY Catalina, B-24 Liberator and many others aircrafts.
BAPA’s R-1830-92 once powered the Publi-Air’s C-47 registered N49AG in the 1990’s until an engine change declare it non-serviceable.
Given to the Dakota museum at Melsbroek to help at their C-47 restoration, it was eventually given to our association.
Engine Pratt&Withney
maintenance on DC3
|
Characteristics : |
Performances : |
| 14 cylinder two-row air-cooled radial | Compression ratio : 6.7 |
| Bore : 139,7 mm | Fuel consumption: 240gr/hp/hour |
| Stroke : 139,7 mm | Oil comsumption: 8gr/hp/hour |
| Displacement : 30 l | Power: 1200 hp at 2700 rpm for take-off |
| Total weight : 567 kg | Power: 700 hp at 2325 rpm cruise power |
| Length: 1500 mm - Diameter: 1220 mm |
Dakota (C-53) N49AG
Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 Twin Wasp Project
A few years ago, BAPA acquired a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engine that had previously powered C-47 N49AG (Air Dakota). The engine was damaged after running without oil pressure due to an incorrectly installed filter, leading to its decommissioning.
Partially incomplete, it remained stored until a former marine engineer joined the team and launched a long-term restoration project. The aim is not only to restore the engine for display but also to acquire hands-on experience in working with radial engines ahead of future restoration work on BAPA’s B-25 engines.
Such a project involves research and the acquisition of parts and tools.
In 2023, a set of engine tools was purchased from a former B-17 mechanic of the National Geographic Institute (France). In April 2023, an exchange with Airventure Ltd allowed us to recover many of the missing components, including a piston, an accessory case, and several parts such as a carburetor, starter, generator, magnetos, and a cylinder. We also acquired a series of R-1830 maintenance manuals.
As shown in the photos, François-Xavier carefully disassembled the engine and discovered the extent of the damage: some pistons had begun scattering metal debris throughout, and the crankshaft had completely broken.
All salvageable parts are being cleaned, refurbished, and treated for long-term preservation. The cylinders, for instance, undergo micro-abrasive blasting (aerogommage) by a specialized company, followed by anti-corrosion treatment. The accessory case, gearbox, and various components have been restored and repainted. Meanwhile, we are still searching for missing or replacement parts for those that are too damaged. We’re also looking to complete the engine with a engine mounting and a propeller.
If anyone can help—or would like to learn how to work on this type of engine—please get in touch!
Partially incomplete, it remained stored until a former marine engineer joined the team and launched a long-term restoration project. The aim is not only to restore the engine for display but also to acquire hands-on experience in working with radial engines ahead of future restoration work on BAPA’s B-25 engines.
Such a project involves research and the acquisition of parts and tools.
In 2023, a set of engine tools was purchased from a former B-17 mechanic of the National Geographic Institute (France). In April 2023, an exchange with Airventure Ltd allowed us to recover many of the missing components, including a piston, an accessory case, and several parts such as a carburetor, starter, generator, magnetos, and a cylinder. We also acquired a series of R-1830 maintenance manuals.
As shown in the photos, François-Xavier carefully disassembled the engine and discovered the extent of the damage: some pistons had begun scattering metal debris throughout, and the crankshaft had completely broken.
All salvageable parts are being cleaned, refurbished, and treated for long-term preservation. The cylinders, for instance, undergo micro-abrasive blasting (aerogommage) by a specialized company, followed by anti-corrosion treatment. The accessory case, gearbox, and various components have been restored and repainted. Meanwhile, we are still searching for missing or replacement parts for those that are too damaged. We’re also looking to complete the engine with a engine mounting and a propeller.
If anyone can help—or would like to learn how to work on this type of engine—please get in touch!
The engine as recieved, stored at the workshop
An exchange with Airventure Ltd allowed us to retrieve many missing parts and accessories.
Above: The accessories box acquired via an exchange after soda blasting (at left) and painted with a few of the accessories installed, the two magneto are well visible above the carburator inlet.
Above: All the cylinder have been removed, allowing a thourough inspection and proper cleaning of the engine. At right the reduction gearbox is in perfect condition and has been repainted after a thourough cleaning.
Above: The cylinder, dismantled and degreased,have been micro-abrasive blasted to remove the corrosion. At right what happens in an engine with improper lubrification: some piston started to desintegrate and pieces of metal have been found everywhere in the engine, the crankshaft is broken in two!