Initially asked in 1914 to study an overheating problem in rotary engines, Captain W. O. Bentley, an established car designer, developed a new and more efficient engine, with a weight-saving effect realized by careful design and the use of aluminum wherever possible. Equally important was the lower cost, as compared to the French Clerget, then widely used in British aircraft; and itself considered an improvement over the earlier Gnome
Following success of the smaller A.R. 1 (Admiral Rotary 1), which was later renamed Model B. R. 1 for Bentley Rotary 1, the larger B. R. 2 rotary aircraft engine powered a variety of World War I aircraft including, among others, the: Sopwith F.1 Camel and 7F.1 Snipe; Nieuport B.N.1; and Vickers F.B.26A Vampire II. This Bentley B.R. 2 was built by Humber Ltd., one of five British companies that manufactured this model during World War I.
Gift of Preston Kirk
Date: Circa 1917
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Diameter 106.7 cm (42.0 in.), Length 61.8 cm (24.3 in.)
Physical Description:
Type: Rotary, 9 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 149 kW (200 hp) at 1,300 rpm
Displacement: 25.0 L (1,522.44 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.51 in) x 190 mm (7.09 in)
Weight (dry): Approx 227 kg (500 lb)
