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Ettore Bugatti designed the prototype of this engine in France during World War I. The U.S. Government's Bolling Commission, established to acquire European military aeronautical technology that could be built in America, purchased it because of its high performance potential and ability to mount a 37 mm cannon that could fire through the propeller hub. Duesenberg Motors was selected to produce the engine.

Engineer Charles B. King and his team made significant changes to correct technical problems and make the engine suitable for U.S. production methods. Renamed the King-Bugatti, it passed its 50-hour military test in October 1918. Production was just beginning when the war ended. Duesenberg manufactured about 40 King-Bugattis by early 1919. None are known to have powered a U.S. aircraft.

Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Date 1919 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Designer Charles B. King
Ettore Bugatti
Manufacturer Duesenberg Motors Corporation
Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 16 cylinders, U-type, liquid cooled Power rating: 306 kW (410 hp) at 2,000 rpm Displacement: 24.3 L (1,484 cu in) Bore and Stroke: 110 mm (4.3 in.) x 160 mm (6.3 in.) Weight (dry): 583 kg (1,286 lb) Dimensions Length 112.4 cm (44.25 in.), Width 63 cm (24.8 in.), Height 82 cm (32.28 in.) (all dimensions approximate)
Inventory Number A19200007000 Credit Line On Loan from the War Department, Air Service, Washington, D.C. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Open Access (CCO)
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