Originally the engine building subsidiary of the German Zeppelin Company (Luftschiffbau Zeppelin G.m.b.H.), Maybach Motorenbau G.m.b.H. of Friedrichshafen possibly became better known by its later luxury automobiles. Maybach began manufacturing engines in 1909, following a characteristic German six-cylinder, water cooled, vertical design. These powered the World War I Zeppelin, Schutte-Lanz, and Parseval airships or airplanes such as the Rumpler C4 and C5.
Development of the Maybach Model Mb Iv began in 1916. It had a high compression ratio for high-altitude flying, and powered such aircraft as the Rumple Ru C VI and C VII long-distance reconnaissance airplanes. The Treaty of Versailles curtailed the company’s activities following the war.
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 1916
Country of Origin
Germany
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Maybach Motorenbau G.m.b.H. (Friedrichshafen a/Bodensee, Germany)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, in-line, air cooled
Power rating: 225 kW (302 hp) at 1,700 rpm
Displacement: 23.1 L (1,411.62 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 165 mm (6.5 in.) x 180 mm (7.09 in.)
Weight: 417.8 kg (921 lb)
Dimensions
Length 154.9 cm (61 in.), Width 48.3 cm (19 in.), Height 105.4 cm (41.5 in.) (Approximate)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Copper, Rubber, Wood, Ceramic, Adhesive, Textile
Inventory Number
A19710882000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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