Famed designer Mark Birkigt was from Switzerland, but his aircraft engines were built elsewhere. Hispano-Suiza engines were built in company factories in France and Spain, but also under license in England and the United States. In 1916, the Wright-Martin Corporation was formed in New Brunswick, New Jersey in order to begin quantity production of the 112 kW (150 shp) Hispano-Suiza Model A engine ordered by the French government. Over time, among the additional Hispano-Suiza engine models developed were the 134 kW (180 shp) Model E and the 224 kW (300 hp) Model H.
In 1919, Wright-Martin became Wright Aeronautical Corporation and made improvements in the Model H by raising its output to 280 (375 shp). The engine was then designated H-3. In 1922, the H-3 was considered the lightest and most efficient pursuit engine in the world.
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 1922
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Designer
La Société Hispano-Suiza
Manufacturer
Wright Aeronautical
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 8 cylinders, V-type, water cooled
Power rating: 224 kW (300 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Displacement: 18.5 L (1127.36 cu in.)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.51 in.) x 150 mm (5.91 in.)
Weight: 405.5 kg (894 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 35 x 38 1/2 x 55in., 620lb. (88.9 x 97.8 x 139.7cm, 281.2kg)
Other: 35 x 55 x 38 1/2in. (88.9 x 139.7 x 97.8cm)
Overall (with Stand): 405.5kg (894lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Ceramic, Copper, Brass, Rubber, Textile, Paint, Leather
Inventory Number
A19710886000
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.