ASME Makes it Official: Wasp Engine Now a Landmark
The engine that conquered the skies glowed in multi-colored lights. Inside the New England Air Museum military hangar, songs of the 1940s echoed off the metallic walls. You'll have to excuse former Pratt & Whitney experimental test engineer William "Bud" Lewis if he feels like he's stepped back in time.
"Well it was great fun, I had a great time," said Lewis, standing in front of a display of Wasp engines at the museum.
Beginning in 1941, the 97-year-old Lewis worked on the R-4360 Wasp Major engine. He recalls that experience as some of the best times of his life.
"I have a good memory," he said. "I remember what it sounded like."
Lewis was invited to attend the ceremony at the museum in which the R-1340 Wasp A engine was named a historical landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or ASME.
"Engineers make life more beautiful than it already is, and I think we have to celebrate that," said Dr. Julio C Guerrero, president of ASME.
Bob Leduc, president of Pratt & Whitney, said he was proud that the company continues its tradition of innovation.
"We would argue (the Wasp) changed the face of aviation. I hope one day in the future that someone can stand here, 90 years from today, and our geared fan and F135 engines will likewise receive this prestigious award," Leduc said.
The timing of the ceremony was also significant, considering Pratt & Whitney is ramping up new military and commercial products, including the Geared Turbofan™ engine and the F135 engine, the sole power plant supporting the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
"We have new products that are changing and redefining aviation history today the same way Pratt & Whitney did it 90 years ago," said Tom Prete, vice president of Engineering.
The evening centered on a celebration of the past, while also looking to the future. Technologies change. Engines change. But the creative spirit of those that worked, and work, at Pratt & Whitney … does not.
"I couldn't have had a better job," said Lewis proudly.
