1/72 Curtiss R-600 Challenger

The Curtiss R-600 Challenger was a six-cylinder, double-row, air-cooled radial engine developed for aircraft, producing between 170 and 180 horsepower. This engine marked a significant step in the evolution of radial engines during the late 1920s.

Curtiss began work on the Challenger in May 1927, aiming to design a compact and efficient six-cylinder engine. The Challenger's innovative design featured aluminum cylinders arranged at a 60-degree angle, creating a staggered two-row configuration. This layout made it essentially two three-cylinder engines working in tandem, enhancing the cooling and overall performance of the engine. First tested in December 1927, the R-600 went into production shortly after.

Technically, the engine's air-cooling system and use of lightweight aluminum components were ahead of their time. These features improved the power-to-weight ratio, making the Challenger an attractive option for a variety of light aircraft. Its ability to produce consistent power outputs between 170 and 180 horsepower made it a reliable choice for both civilian and military aircraft of the era.

Historically, the R-600 Challenger was significant because it was part of the broader trend in aviation toward more powerful and compact engines, which allowed aircraft to achieve greater performance without compromising weight. It became a key part of Curtiss's efforts to compete in the increasingly crowded aircraft engine market of the late 1920s.

Aircraft that used the Curtiss R-600 included notable models like the Curtiss Fledgling, Curtiss Robin, ANBO IV, Curtiss-Wright CW-14C Travel Air, Hodkinson HT-1, and the Rearwin 2000.