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 more powerful Model H.
In 1919, Wright-Martin became the Wright Aeronautical Corporation. Improvements in the Model H were made by Wright Aeronautical, raising its output as high as 280 kW (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 1918
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Designer
La Société Hispano-Suiza
Manufacturer
Wright Aeronautical
Wright-Martin
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, V-type, 8 cylinders, Liquid-cooled
Power rating: 242 kW (325 hp) at 1,800 rpm
Displacement: 18.47 L (1,127 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 140 mm (5.51 in) x 150 mm (5.91 in)
Weight: 281.2 kg (620 lb)
Dimensions
Approximate (Weight on stand): 430.9kg (950lb.)
Overall: 46 × 46 × 60 in. (116.8 × 116.8 × 152.4cm)
Other (stand): 5 ft. × 3 ft. 10 in. × 4 ft. 3.7 in. (1 m 52.4cm × 1 m 16.8cm × 1 m 31.4cm)
Materials
Steel, Aluminum, Ceramic, Plastic, Paint, Brass
Inventory Number
A19800005000
Credit Line
Gift of Raymond P. Quinn
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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