The Thomas brothers of Upstate New York began experimenting and flying Curtiss-type aircraft in 1908, and developed their own aircraft in the 1909-10 period. Thomas Brothers aircraft were supplied to the Allied nations during World War I. Airplane engines were built by the Thomas Aeromotor Company, which was later reorganized and became known as the Thomas-Morse Aircraft Corporation of Ithaca, New York. The company's first engine, a 4-cylinder vertical water-cooled design rated at 89.5 kW (120 shp), was produced in 1912. After that, the company confined its efforts entirely to 8-cylinder water-cooled V-types.
The Thomas-Morse Model 8 engine was fitted with reduction gears to reduce propeller speed to 1,200 rpm. It was the first aircraft engine to be equipped with a self-starter. It powered aircraft such as the Thomas D-5 and L.W.F.
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
1917
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Thomas-Morse Aircraft Corporation (Ithaca, New York)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 8 cylinders, V-type,water-cooled
Power rating: 101 kW (135 hp) at 2,000 rpm
Displacement: 9.062 L (552.88 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 101.6 mm (4 in.) x 139.7 mm (5.5 in.)
Weight: 272 kg (600 lb)
Dimensions
Depth 111.8 cm (44 in.), Length 162.6 cm (64 in.), Width 96.5 cm (38 in.)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Rubber, Stainless steel, Phenolic, Wood
Inventory Number
A19340011000
Credit Line
Transferred from the War Department, Air Corps, Materiel Division, Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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