Societe des Moteurs Le Rhone of Paris began manufacturing air cooled rotary engines in 1910. Its rotary was sufficiently different than that first developed by the highly successful Seguin brothers of the Societe des Moteurs Gnome, also of Paris, that it circumvented relevant Gnome patents; but was taken over by Gnome in 1914. Because Le Rhone products were in some ways superior to Gnome, its design engineers were permitted to continue development during World War I, resulting in large scale production of various nine cylinder engines.
During the World War I era, this engine was also produced in the United States by the Union Switch and Signal Company. Used mainly on fighter aircraft where speed and maneuverability were especially important, rotary engines were light and compact for their power. The Le Rhone Model 9C was used on Nieuport, Ruchonnet, Hanriot, Bleriot-SPAD, Morane, Sopwith, Farman, Caudron, and Voisin I aircraft.
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
Accepted January 29, 1919
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Designer
Le Rhone (France)
Manufacturer
Union Switch and Signal Company (Swissvale, Pennsylvania)
Physical Description
Type: Rotary, 9 cylinders, air cooled
Power rating: 60 kW (80 hp) at 1,200 rpm
Displacement: 10.9 L (664.3 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 105 mm (4.13 in.) x 140 mm (5.51 in.)
Weight: 109 kg (240 lb)
Dimensions
Engine height on stand 135 cm (53 in.)
Inventory Number
A19200011000
Credit Line
On Loan from the War Department, Air Service, Washington, D.C.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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