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The first successful rotary engine is generally attributed to the American F.O. Farwell in 1896; but the French Gnome, developed by the Seguin brothers, was much more successful in bringing the rotary to a broad aviation market beginning in 1909. The original Gnome had two valves, with the inlet in the piston head and exhaust in the in the cylinder head. The monosoupape, as the name signifies, had only one valve in the cylinder head, eliminating a weak feature of the earlier design, and was the most numerous model during World War I.

Used mainly on fighter aircraft where speed and maneuverability were especially important, rotary engines were light and compact for their power. However, excessive engine torque and gyroscopic forces made airplanes difficult to control, causing high oil and fuel consumption. The Type N was particularly reported to have excessive fuel consumption.

This engine powered the Nieuport 28C.1, Sopwith F.1 Camel, Vickers F.B.9, Bleriot, and Pomier aircraft.

 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 World War I Country of Origin France Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Designer Laurent Seguin
Louis Seguin
 Manufacturer Societe des Moteurs Gnome et Rhône
 Physical Description Type: Rotary, 9 cylinders Power rating: 123 kw (165 hp) at 1,350 rpm Displacement: 15.9 L (970.38 cu in.) Bore and Stroke: 115 mm (4.53 in.) x 170 mm (6.69 in.) Weight: 132 kg (290 lb) Dimensions Storage (Rehoused on metal pallet and stand): 121.9 × 114.3 × 129.5cm, 206.4kg (4 ft. × 3 ft. 9 in. × 4 ft. 3 in., 455lb.)
 Materials Steel
Copper Alloy
Cadmium Plating
 Inventory Number A19660002000 Credit Line Found in collection Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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