Following World War I, French Gnome-Rhone ended its production of rotary engines, and began building radial engines under license from English manufacturer Bristol in 1922. The K series was Gnome-Rhone’s first attempt to break away from the Bristol designs, with models having 7, 9, and 14 cylinders. The short lived L series had 14 and 18 cylinders, and was reported to be too heavy and bulky for its output. The lightly used M series was produced only in 14 cylinder similar, but smaller, versions of the K series.

The N series of two-row, fourteen-cylinder models modernized the Mistral Major K series with increased cooling fin area and internal strengthening. It was the most used Gnome-Rhone, powering a number of World War II French and German aircraft. This geared and supercharged engine powered the Messerschmitt Me 323d-1, Bloch 151/152/220, and Dewoitine D.342 aircraft. Six of these engines powered the world’s largest power glider, the German Me-323 Gegant.

 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 1936 Country of Origin France Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Societe des Moteurs Gnome et Rhône
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 14 cylinders, 2 rows, radial, air-cooled, geared drive, supercharged Power rating: 846 kW (1,135 hp) at 2,400 rpm Displacement: 38.7 L (2,360 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 146 mm (5.8 in.) x 165 mm (6.5 in.) Weight: 591 kg (1,300 lb) Dimensions Diameter 129.1 cm (50.8 in.), Length 152.4 cm (60 in.)
 Materials Aluminum
Steel
Leather
Cadmium plating
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Synthetic fabric
Natural Fabric
Paint
 Inventory Number A19670080000 Credit Line Found in the collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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