Specifications |
|
| Type: | 9-cylinder, single-row, rotary, piston |
| Displacement: | 782 cu. in |
| Weight: | 303 lbs. |
| Power Output: | 115 hp @ 1,300 rpm |
| Year: | 1916 |
| NEAM Id: | 16 |
| Location: | Connector between the Military and Civil Hangars |
Courtesy of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
The French Gnome engine company was the first to produce rotary engines for aviation beginning in 1908. In 1913, previous two-value cylinders were redesigned to have only one-value (monosoupape) to simply the design and improve durability. A British aircraft designer declared it “one of the greatest single advances in aviation.” Built under license in Britain, the B-2 was used extensively in a number of World War I aircraft.
License manufactured in the United States by the Aeronautical Engine Corporation of Long Island, New York, the B-2 powered the Thomas Morse S-4 and Standard E-1 advanced trainers.
In addition to the above mentioned, other aircraft to use the Gnome B-2 included:
Email if you have any information or comments on the Gnome B-2 'Monosoupape'.
