Menasco M-50

The Menasco M50 was a 4-cylinder horizontally-opposed engine.[1] The engine was developed from 1937-1938 for use in Aeronca model KM light planes. Despite there being a deal for an estimated 500 Menasco M50 engines, only 10 engines were delivered as the deal broke down. Despite being initially being designed for aircraft usage, the Menasco M50 were also used to power midget race cars in Los Angeles. The failure of the engine in the market could be attributed towards the late entry for the engine into the market meant that the engine was soon overshadowed by more technologically advanced engines developed by its competitors such as the 65 hp (48 kW) flat-four engines from Continental and Franklin[2].

Menasco M-50 aircraft engine at the San Diego Air & Space Museum

References

Grey, C.G. (1972). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: David & Charles. pp. 93d. ISBN 0-7153-5734-4.
Rinek, Larry. "Menasco Aircraft Engines and Their Air Racing Heritage" (PDF).

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[JAWA1938-1] Grey, C.G. (1972). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: David & Charles. pp. 93d. ISBN 0-7153-5734-4.

[2] Rinek, Larry. "Menasco Aircraft Engines and Their Air Racing Heritage" (PDF).