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Le Rhone Model C 9 Cylinder Rotary Engine
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
Manufactured on September 28, 1919
Country of Origin
France
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 (80hp) at 1,200 rpm
Displacement: 10.9 L (664.29 cu. in.)
Bore and Stroke: 105 mm (4.13 in) x 140 mm (5.51 in)
Weight: 115 kg (253 lb)
Dimensions
Overall: 253lb. (114.8kg)
Inventory Number
A19820090000
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. George Duncan Robertson
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
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