The Mono Aircraft Corporation and the Velie Motors Corporation of Moline, Illinois started in the aircraft engine field by building the Model M-5, certificated in 1928. The Velie M-5 was a close copy of the Detroit Aircraft Engine Corporation Aircat built in 1926. Because of dissatisfaction with the Aircat’s reliability and delivery problems, Mono Aircraft tasked the Velie automobile firm to build the M-5. Most of the patented features of the Aircat were declared infringed following litigation, and Velie had to pay damages.
Following deaths in the Velie family, the firm was first incorporated into the John Deere tractor business, and later production conducted by the Lambert Aircraft Engine Corporation, a subsidiary of the Allied Aviation Corporation. Because only Mono used this engine, Lambert was discontinued when the Monocoupe became obsolete.
The M-5 powered the Monocoupe, Monocoupe 113, and Monoprep 218.
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 1928
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Velie Motors Corporation (Moline, Illinois)
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 5 cylinders, radial, air cooled
Power rating: 41 kW (55 hp) at 1,750 rpm
Displacement: 4.1 L (250 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 105 mm (4.125 in.) x 95.3 mm (3.75 in.)
Weight: 108.9 kg (240 lb)
Dimensions
Depth 114.3 cm (45 in.), Length 110.5 cm (43.5 in.), Width 92.7 cm (36.5 in.) (approximate)
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Wood, Phenolic, Plastic, Paint, Ceramic, Copper
Inventory Number
A19580018000
Credit Line
Gift of Herman A. Ecker
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.