Tanks, Tractors, and Turbines — Diverse Beginnings

Continental Motors was founded all the way back in 1905, when it introduced a four-cylinder, four-cycle L-head motor operated by a single camshaft.

Most famously, however, the company was tasked with developing engines (based on aircraft engine technology) for the U.S. Army’s M47, M48, and M60 Patton tanks —an integral part of America’s military strength during the Cold War. It also developed engines for a variety of tractors, cars and trucks, and industrial machines.

In other words, a big part of American history and life in the 20th century—both in the air and on the ground—was powered by Continental motors.

From NASA to No Refueling Necessary — Continental Takes Flight

Continental got involved in the nascent aviation industry almost immediately after the company’s launch, producing its first type “O” 45-hp engine just a year later in 1906. It never looked back—producing groundbreaking piston engine after groundbreaking piston engine over the next 100 years, including the A-70 radial engine and the first turbocharging and fuel-injection technology in the aviation industry.

The company joined forces with Teledyne in 1960, ushering in a new era of collaboration and innovation. In 1986, a piston-powered aircraft circled the globe without refueling for the first time, thanks to a unique pair of Continental engines. And in 1997, the company was tabbed by NASA to develop and produce a new 200-horsepower engine that operates on Jet-A fuel.

From Wing to Wing, Everything You Need to Fly

At Air Power, Inc., we offer a full suite of OEM Continental engine replacement parts and accessories, including:
·    Fuel pumps
·    Hoses
·    Mounts
·    Piston rings
·    Crankcases
·    Crankshafts
·    Camshafts
·    Pistons
·    Piston pins
·    Rod bolts
·    Vernatherms
·    Magnetos
·    Starters
·    Harnesses
·    Turbochargers

Check out our complete line of Continental motors and parts, or contact one of our aviation experts for more information.