Hispano-Suiza engines were developed by Marc Birkigt, of Swiss origin, and first manufactured in Barcelona for use in automobiles. Hisso engines were very successful and featured innovative cast-aluminum cylinder construction with internal water passages. The 1917 Model 8 Ca was a Model A operating normally at higher speed and employing a geared propeller drive. World War I, in particular, required licensing of Hisso aircraft engine manufacturing in France, England and the U.S. to meet increased demand. The American rights were acquired by the Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation, later the Wright Aeronautical Corporation, which claimed improvements during further development.
Some Hisso engines had guns mounted between cylinder banks that could fire through the hollow propeller shaft, and many German aircraft were shot down by Allied aircraft equipped with the "moteurs-canon.” The early cannon fired only one shot at a time, an extreme disadvantage in combat. Development continued through the Model K, an experimental engine designed to carry fully automatic cannon.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
1918
Country of Origin
France
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
La Société Hispano-Suiza
Designer
Marc Birkigt
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 8 cylinders, V-type, water cooled
Power rating: 164 kW (220 hp) at 2,100 rpm
Displacement: 11.8 L (719 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 120 mm (4.72 in.) x 130 mm (5.12 in.)
Weight: 213 kg (470 lb)
Dimensions
Engine height on stand: 109.2 cm (43 in.)
Inventory Number
A19340002000
Credit Line
Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps, Materiel Division, Dayton, Ohio.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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