Charles B. Kirkham (1882–1969) was an American engineer of aircraft engines and aircraft.
Charles B. Kirkham | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1882 |
| Died | 1969 |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Known for | Aircraft engines |
| Parent | John Kirkham |
| Relatives | Clarence Kirkham, Percey Kirkham[1] |
Early life edit
Kirkham started engineering by building motorcycle engines. In 1903, Kirkham and Curtiss delivered an engine to Thomas C. Benbow for future use in a dirigible.[2] In 1905 he founded the Kirkham Motor and Manufacturing Company in Bath, New York with two others and $25,000 in capital.[3] His father John Kirkham cast engine blocks for Glen Curtiss up until 1905.[4] Kirkham worked in Senaca Falls, becoming sick and returning home. Kirkham enrolled in a mechanical engineering correspondence course while recuperating. In 1910 Kirkham built his first aircraft engine of his own design.[5] The Kirkham B-6 was used on the 1910 Burgess Company Model F.[6] In 1913 Kirkham started another company, the Kirkham Aeroplane and Motor Company with $100,000 in capital.[7] Kirkham joined Glenn Curtiss and went to work for Curtiss Aeroplane in 1915 as Chief motor engineer[8] for the popular Curtiss OX and sole VX engine that powered the speedboat "Miss Miami".[9]
Later Kirkham would top rival Hispano Suiza with the Curtiss AB, a 300 hp aluminum blocked, twelve-cylinder engine for fighter use. This engine would evolve into the K-12.[10] Kirkham designed a Curtiss Triplane in 1919 to take full advantage of the K-12 engine. A Seaplane variant became the world's fastest seaplane in 1920 at 138 mph. A biplane variant for the U.S. Army label the Curtiss P-86, was dropped after the crash of a prototype.[11]
In 1919 Kirkham left Curtiss to form Kirkham Products.
See also edit
- Kirkham 1911 Biplane
- Curtiss K-12
- Curtiss 18
- Kirkham Air yacht
- Kirkham-Williams Racer
- Kirkham Racer
- Kirkham Gull
References edit
- ^ Cecil R. Roseberry. Glenn Curtiss, pioneer of flight. p. 34.
- ^ Kirk W. House. Hell-rider to king of the air: Glenn Curtiss's life of innovation. p. 34.
- ^ The Horseless Age: 145. 25 January 1905.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Cecil R. Roseberry. Glenn Curtiss, pioneer of flight. p. 23.
- ^ Aircraft: 317. September 1911.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Kirkham B-6". Retrieved 10 January 2012.
- ^ Mill supplies, Volume 3. p. 229.
- ^ Aerial Age Weekly: 84. 12 April 1915.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Smithsonian Annals of Flight" (PDF). Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ "Smithsonian Annals of Flight" (PDF). Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ PART 2 Test of Strength 1917-1919 Retrieved: 13 January 2011.