The Societa Anonima Fiat of Turin, Italy was founded in 1898 by Giovanni Agnelli, and drew on its race car experience to manufacture its first aircraft engine in 1908. During World War I, Fiat produced over 15,000 aircraft engines, said to be more than all other Italian manufacturers combined. A total of 13,260 A-12 and A-12 bis engines were built between 1916 and 1919.

The six-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled A-12 engine produced 149 kW (200 shp), with the A-12 bis being a later development. In general, the dimensions were identical, but the A-12 bis had a 4.75 compression ratio, higher than that usually employed in the earlier model. The principal changes were new carburetors and manifolds, and the substitution of an oil pressure feed to the camshaft housing.

Among the aircraft powered by A-12 engines was the Societa Italiano Aviazione F.B. Biplane. This engine artifact has been modified for marine installation.

 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 World War I Country of Origin Italy Type PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary Manufacturer Socitera Anonima Fiat, Turin, Italy
 Physical Description Type: Reciprocating, 6 cylinders, In-line, Water-cooled Power rating: kw (300hp) at 1,600 rpm Displacement: L ( cu. in.) Bore and Stroke: mm ( in) x mm ( in) Weight: 417.3 kg (920 lb) Dimensions Length 182.4 cm (71.811 in.), Width 58.6 cm (23.071 in.), Height 117.5 cm (46.26 in.)
 Materials Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Copper Alloy
Rubber
Paint
Unknown Coating
 Inventory Number A19820091000 Credit Line Gift of Mrs. Charles Ernst Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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