This is one of the first U.S. air-cooled, radial aircraft engines, an original design, entirely hand built by Henri L. Albisser about 1909. It powered an aircraft that he also designed, built, and flew in Rahway, New Jersey at that time.
Before emigrating to the U.S. in 1905, Albisser was employed by the early French automobile manufacturer Peugot. He opened Rahway’s first garage, and kept busy assisting the town’s other four automobile owners. In 1908 he built and flew his first airplane, powered by a 2-cylinder, 9 kW (12 hp) engine and a 183 cm (6-ft) propeller. Seeking more performance, he built this engine the following year, with an aluminum crankcase and a 244 cm (8-ft) propeller, enabling him to fly as high as 183 m (600 ft) for as long as 10 minutes.
In 1920 Albisser joined Chrysler and assisted construction of the first Chrysler automobile. This artifact was later displayed in his own DeSoto automobile agency.
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
Circa 1909
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Henri L. Albisser, Rahway, New Jersey
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 4 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
Power rating: 33.6 kW (45 hp) at 2,000 rpm
Displacement: Not available
Bore and Stroke: Not available
Weight: 116 kg (256 lb)
Dimensions
Other: 4ft x 4ft 1 1/2in. x 5ft 1in. x 3ft 12in. x 2ft 12in. x 4ft 1 1/2in. (121.92 x 125.73 x 154.9 x 121.9 x 91.4 x 125.73cm)
Approximate (Weight on Stand): 160.6kg (354lb.)
Length 121.9 cm (48 in.), Width 125.7 cm (49.5 in.)
Materials
Cast iron, Wood, Aluminum, Steel, Rubber, Ceramic, Brass
Inventory Number
A19670023000
Credit Line
Gift of Robert and Roger Albisser and William J. Scott
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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