Salmson aircraft engines, produced in France starting in 1913 by the Societe des Moteurs Salmson in Billancourt, Sein, were originally designed and patented by Canton and Unne, and also constructed in Great Britain by the Dudbridge Iron Works, Ltd. of Strand, Gloucester. Development work began in 1908, making it one of the earliest companies to produce radial power plants. Except for being water-cooled, the Salmson engines demonstrated the advantages of the radial concept, being the first successful large aircraft engines of this type.
The Salmson Z-9 was the first of its series, and was produced during World War I. It primarily powered Salmson-built aircraft, principally the Salmson 2 SAL day reconnaissance bomber used by American squadrons in 1918. The French-built Z-9 also powered Rep, Voisin, Caudron, Farman, Hanriot, and Spad aircraft. The 9ZM, built by the English firm of Willans & Robinson, powered the Vickers F.B.27 Vimy prototype.
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 1917-1918
Country of Origin
France
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Salmson (Societe des Moteurs)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, water-cooled
Power rating: 172 kW (230 hp) at 1,500 rpm
Displacement: 18.2 L (1,112 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 125 mm (4.92 in.) x 165 mm (6.50 in.)
Weight: 215 kg (473 lb)
Dimensions
Depth 132.1 cm (52 in.), Length 132.1 cm (52 in.), Width 121.9 cm (48 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Preservative coating, Rubber, Plastic, Copper
Inventory Number
A19500098000
Credit Line
Purchase
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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