During World War I several types of aircraft engines were designed and developed by the Royal Aircraft Factory, a government facility located in Farnborough, England, previously known as the HM Balloon Factory. The first of these was the RAF-1, development which began in 1913. It was an air-cooled V-8 engine based on the Renault V-8, but with larger cylinders. The design was improved in 1914 as the RAF-1a. A total of 2,860 RAF-1a engines were built between August 1914 and December 1918.
The RAF-1a powered the: Airco D.H.6; Armstrong Whitworth F.K.2/F.K.3; Avro 504K; Boulton & Paul P.6 and P.9; de Havilland D.H.51; and Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c/d/e, B.E.9. and S.E.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 1914
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Royal Aircraft Factory
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, V-type, 8 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 78.3 kW (105 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Displacement: 8.8 L (537 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 100 mm (3.94 in.) x 140 mm (5.51 in.)
Weight: 200 kg (440 lb)
Dimensions
Depth 118.1 cm (46.5 in.), Length 142.2 cm (56 in.), Width 102.2 cm (40.25 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Paint, Copper, Rubber, Paint, Plastic, Ceramic
Inventory Number
A19640016000
Credit Line
Gift of United Aircraft Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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