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
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