Fiat was founded in 1898 by Giovanni Agnelli, and drew on its race car experience to manufacture its first aircraft engine, the air cooled V-8 SA 8/75, in 1908. However, until about 1930, Fiat primarily manufactured upright water cooled in-line aircraft engines; then becoming committed to air cooled radials. During World War I, Fiat manufactured more than 15,000 aircraft engines, probably more than the combined production of all other Italian companies.

Fiat withdrew from aviation after the war, and only renewed involvement after intense pursuit by the Italian government. Renewed development resulted in 12-cylinder V-types, as well as some air cooled radials and in-line engines for light aircraft.

The A-70 direct drive 7-cylinder air cooled radial was introduced in 1934. With experience gained from small radials, and using standard cylinders with different strokes, Fiat built higher powered engines such as the 2-row A-74-RC-38, which powered the Fiat R.S.14 seaplane and the Meridionali R.O. 51 fighter airplane.

 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 1938 Country of Origin Italy Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Socitera Anonima Fiat, Turin, Italy
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2 rows, geared, supercharged, radial, air-cooled Power rating: 649 kW (870 hp) at 2,520 rpm Displacement: 31.3 L (1,904 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.50 in.) x 145 mm (5.71 in.) Weight: 570.2 kg (1,257 lb) Dimensions Overall: 1257lb. (570.2kg)
Other: 3 ft. 11 1/16 in. × 4 ft. 11 7/16 in. × 4 ft. 5 in. × 5 ft. 9 in. × 4 ft. 6 in. (119.5 × 151 × 134.6 × 175.3 × 137.2cm)
3-D (Object on Stand): 172.7 × 137.2 × 137.2cm (5 ft. 8 in. × 4 ft. 6 in. × 4 ft. 6 in.)
 Materials Non-Magnetic Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Unknown Coating
Paint
Synthetic Material
 Inventory Number A19670076000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force Museum. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.