Used mainly on fighter aircraft where speed and maneuverability were especially important, rotary engines were light and compact for their power. Societe des Moteurs Le Rhone of Paris began manufacturing air cooled rotary engines in 1910. Its rotary was sufficiently different than that first developed by the highly successful Seguin brothers of the Societe des Moteurs Gnome, also of Paris, that it circumvented relevant Gnome patents; but was taken over by Gnome in 1914. Because Le Rhone products were in some ways superior to Gnome, its design engineers were permitted to continue development during World War I, resulting in large scale production of various nine cylinder engines.
This engine was also produced under license in Sweden by Thulin. Oberursel supposedly produced the engine without authorization in Germany. It powered Caudron, Nieuport, Morane, Hanriot, Fokker, and DH 5 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
Le Rhone (France)
Manufacturer
Societe des Moteurs Gnome et Rhône
Physical Description
Type: Rotary, 9 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 82 kw (110 hp) at 1,200 rpm
Displacement: 15.1 L (919.71 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 112 mm (4.41 in.) x 170 mm (6.69 in.)
Weight: 146.6 kg (323 lb)
Dimensions
3-D (Engine): 3 ft. 1 in. × 3 ft. × 3 ft. × 3 ft. 3 1/2 in. (94 × 91.4 × 91.4 × 100.3cm)
Storage (Stand): 4 ft. 1 1/4 in. × 3 ft. 10 in. (125.1 × 116.8cm)
Materials
Steel, copper
Inventory Number
A19721039000
Credit Line
Gift of the War Memorial Museum of Virginia
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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