Bristol Jupiter VIIIF

The Jupiter was Great Britain’s most successful high-power, air-cooled engine in the 1920s and ’30s. Bristol Aeroplane acquired the assets of Cosmos Engineering in 1920, which included the Jupiter and its designer, Roy Fedden. The Royal Air Force adopted the Jupiter as its first post–World War I engine in 1923. Bristol and its licensees built more than 7,000 Jupiters for at least 262 different aircraft types.

The Model VIII was the first Jupiter to use reduction gearing, which allowed the engine and propeller to rotate at different speeds for increased efficiency. The Model VIIIF powered the Blackburn B.T. 1 Beagle, Boulton-Paul P.29 Sidestrand III, Handley Page H.P.33 Clive I, Vickers 192 Vildebeest, and Westland Wapiti I, IA, II, and IIA. The “F” denoted a lightweight forged aluminum cylinder head, an important advance in reciprocating engines.

Transferred from the U.S. Navy

Type:reciprocating, 9 cylinders, single-row radial, air cooled

Power rating:343 kW (460 hp) at 2,000 rpm

Displacement:28.7 L (1,753 cu in)

Weight (dry):408 kg (900 lb)

Manufacturer:Bristol Aeroplane Co., Bristol, England

A19710880000

Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar

Object Details

Date

1930

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Type

PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary

Manufacturer

Bristol Aeroplane Company Limited

Designer

Roy Fedden

Physical Description

Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 343 kW (460 hp) at 2,000 rpm
Displacement: 28.7 L (1,753 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 147.5 mm (5.75 in.) x 190.5 mm (7.5 in.)
Weight (dry): 408 kg (900 lb)

Dimensions

Diameter 134.6 cm (53.0 in.), Length 114.3 (45.0 in.)

Inventory Number

A19710880000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Navy

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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