This French engine powered the Santos-Dumont Airship No. 9 in 1903. It performed two tasks: propulsion and the operation of a belt driven blower to pressurize the airship's envelope. Although designed for the Clement Autocyclette motorcycle, it was easily converted to aeronautical use because of its light weight and adequate power.
Alberto Santos-Dumont, a wealthy Brazilian based in Paris, first became famous by flying his dirigible No. 6 around the Eiffel Tower in 1901 and, in 1906, made the first airplane flight in Europe. This artifact was of special interest because it had "connected with it the smallest motor which has ever been successfully applied to a dirigible balloon." From the accession file, it appears that Airship No. 9 was to be flown at an exhibition in St. Louis in 1904, but was vandalized and not flown again.
Display Status
This object is on display in Early Flight at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
Powered Airship No. 9
Brief Description
This French engine powered Airship No. 9, built by Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, in 1903. It provided propulsion and the operation of a belt driven blower to pressurize the airship's envelope.
Date
1903
Country of Origin
France
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Manufacturer
Clement, France
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 2 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 2.237 kW (3 hp) at 1,000 rpm
Displacement: 0.36 L (21.8 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 5.72cm (2.25 in.) x 6.99 cm (2.75 in.)
Weight: 12.0 kg (26.4 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 2 ft. 9 in. × 2 ft. 3 in. × 2 ft. 9 in. (83.8 × 68.6 × 83.8cm)
Materials
Aluminum alloys, iron alloys, copper alloys, wood, leather
Alternate Name
Clement V-2 Engine
Inventory Number
A19080001000
Credit Line
Gift of Edward C. Boyce
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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