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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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