The first successful rotary engine is generally attributed to F.O. Farwell in 1896, and was built by the Adams Company of Dubuque, Iowa. A three cylinder version likely powered the first rubber-tired automobile in 1899.
Because of its light weight, this five cylinder engine was selected by Emile Berliner, an inventor possibly better known in the acoustics field, to drive a helicopter's vertical shaft in a 1908 "test rig." It was reported by the New York Times on July 1, 1909 that a helicopter jointly designed by Berliner and J. Newton Williams, using two of these engines, successfully lifted a few feet off the ground in the last week of June 1909 with Williams aboard.
During this same period, Berliner formed the Gyro Motor Company to pursue development of the rotary engine in aviation, but the French Gnome engine was much more successful in bringing the rotary to a broad aviation market.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date
1907
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Adams-Farwell Company (Dubuque, Iowa)
Manufactured for
Emile Berliner
Physical Description
Type: Rotary, 5 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 26.8 kW (36 hp) at 1,500 rpm
Displacement: 4.07 L (248.25 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 89 mm (3.5 in.)
Weight: 44.1 kg (97.2 lb)
Dimensions
3-D: 48.3 × 68.6cm, 44.1kg (19 × 27 in., 97 1/4lb.)
Support: 43.2 × 44.5 × 36.8cm (17 in. × 17 1/2 in. × 14 1/2 in.)
Materials
Metal
Inventory Number
A19130001000
Credit Line
Gift of the Gyro Motor Company, Washington, DC
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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