Hispano-Suiza piston aero-engines
| Company type | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Aircraft engines |
| Headquarters | France, Spain |
Area served | France, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Russia |
| Products | Piston aero-engines |
Hispano-Suiza piston aero-engines were predominantly piston-driven powerplants manufactured by Hispano-Suiza across France, Spain, and through licensed production in the United Kingdom, United States, and Russia from the period of the First World War until the 1950s. The initial phase of development centered on successful V-8 configurations that incorporated technological advancements, establishing Hispano-Suiza's strong market presence.
Letter system
The Service technique de l'aéronautique (STAé) implemented a standardized naming convention for most French aircraft engines, reflecting essential engine characteristics:
- Manufacturer – Hispano-Suiza
- Cylinder count (e.g., 12)
- Family code (capital letter, e.g., Y; occasionally two-letter codes such as 14AA)
- Sub-model designation (e.g., a), which sometimes indicated rotation direction (e.g., 12Ndr for counterclockwise, 12Nfr for clockwise)
- Feature symbols (r = reduction gearing, i = fuel injection, s = supercharged)
- Further sub-variants identified by numerals (e.g., 12Xhrs1), typically signifying equipment variations
For instance, the code 12Xgrs identifies an X series engine equipped with both reduction gearing and a supercharger; 12Xhrs represents the same model but with reversed rotation.
Number system
Beginning in the late 1930s, STAé introduced numeric attribute codes: The 12Y-26 and 12Y-27 denote left-hand and right-hand rotation variants of the identical engine. Even numbers correspond to standard versions, while odd numbers indicate opposite rotation.
List of H-S piston aero-engines
Information is drawn from sources such as Moteurs d'Aviation Hispano-Suiza, Livre d'Or de la Société Française Hispano-Suiza, and assorted editions of Hispano-Suiza: Revue et Bulletin Technique. The catalogue encompasses various engine families, their variants, and licensed productions:
- 5Q
- 6M
- includes models 6Mb and 6Mbr
- 6P
- includes variant 6Pa
- 8A
- versions 8Aa, 8Ab
- 8B
- variants from 8Ba through to 8Bec
- 8C
- includes model 8Cb
- 8F
- variants such as 8Fa, 8Fb, and 8Fe
- 9Q
- range from 9Qa to 9Qdr
- 9T
- licensed Clerget design; diesel radial derivative of Clerget 9C
- 9V
- numerous versions including types like 9Vr, 9Vb up to 9V-17
- 12B (1945)
- 12F
- includes variant 12Fd
- 12G (Type 50)
- includes models 12Ga and 12Gb
- 12H (Type 51)
- multiple subtypes including the high-performance variant 12Hbr and others like 12Ha
- 12J (Type 52)
- subvariants such as 12Ja and 12Jb
- 12K
- including Kb and Kbrs versions
- 12L
- models Lb, Lbr, Lbxr
- 12M (Type 57)
- several iterations including military-oriented versions like the series starting with 12Mb/500
- 12N (Type 61)
- extensive lineup featuring special editions and rotation variants such as the widely adopted series beginning with the designation 12Nbr/650
- 12X (Type 72)
- a broad array of configurations including those fitted with calibre Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon firing through the propeller shaft (designated Type76)
- 12Y (Type73)
- comprehensive selection featuring both left- and right-rotation engines as well as cannon-equipped Type77 models
- 12Z (Type89)
- includes powerful variants such as the notable model designated as the 12Z-89
- 14AA (Type79)
- series ranging from -00 to -07
- 14AB
- select high-performance versions like -12 and -13
- 14H
- advanced multi-bank engines incorporating turbocharged types such as the14Ha-7a
- 14U
- licensed diesel radial based on Clerget14F
Additional significant entries include V-16 powerplants rated up to , multi-bank configurations like the Hispano Suiza18R, eighteen-cylinder 18S, along with larger multi-row engines such as the 24Y, 24Z, 36Y, and massive units like the 48H, 48Z. Licensed manufacture of the Whirlwind radial engine also broadened their market penetration.
The Abadal variant—a modified HS8 featuring an inverted vertical bank delivering —demonstrates Hispano-Suiza's engineering versatility.
This extensive range underscores Hispano-Suiza's strategic emphasis on catering to diverse piston aero-engine markets across various nations during early to mid-20th century aviation progress.
Hispano-Suiza Internal Type Classifications
The Type numbering system was applied uniformly across all Hispano-Suiza products, encompassing automobiles, trucks, and engine models. Notably, Types 21, 22, and 23 corresponded specifically to automobile designs.
- Type 31
- A prototype featuring a bore and stroke of , utilizing mixed cooling with 11 fins; early production models like the 8A had 8 cooling fins, operated at 1,450 rpm, .
- Type 34
- Designated as 8Aa, this version ran at 1800 rpm with a compression ratio of 4.7:1, , and was fully water-cooled.
- Type 34-S
- The “S” denotes surcomprimé (supercharged); model 8Ab operated at 1800 rpm with a higher compression ratio of 5.3:1, , and full water cooling.
- Type 35
- Known as the 8B, it achieved 2,000 rpm and incorporated gearing.
- Type 35-S
- Also an “S” variant (surcomprimé), this high-compression geared model maintained the 8B configuration at 2,000 rpm.
- Type 38
- Based on the Type 36 but modified to integrate a SAMC Model 37 cannon.
- Type 39
- Featured coupled engine units.
- Type 42
- The 8Fb variant with bore and stroke measurements of , displacement , delivering power at 1,800 rpm.
- Type 42VS
- A derivative of the Type 42 known as the 8Fe.
- Type 44
- A later production limited-use moteur-canon (engine-cannon) variant.
- Type 45
- Fitted with a cannon armament.
- Hispano-Suiza Types from Type 50 to Type 96
- These encompassed an array of high-performance engines including W12 configurations and multi-cylinder arrangements. This range covers models from the potent Type 12G through to the large displacement Type 96.
Technical Specifications
Presented below is a summary table outlining principal specifications for Hispano-Suiza engines pertinent to both business considerations and engineering design:
... [Further entries detail principal engine models highlighting bore/stroke dimensions, displacement volumes, compression values, dry weights, horsepower outputs at takeoff and rated conditions, supercharging status, reduction gearing presence] ...| Model | Bore | Stroke | Displacement | Compression Ratio | Dry Weight | Take-off Power | Take-off RPM | Supercharger Presence | Reduction Gear | Rated Power | Rated RPM | Rated Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5Q | 127 millimetres (5.0 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 8.9 litres (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal) | 5.1 | 186 kilograms (410 lb) | 180 horsepower (130 kW) | — | No | Direct drive | 165 horsepower (123 kW) | 2,000 | Sea level | 5-cylinder radial engine |
| 6Pa | 110 millimetres (4.3 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 7.97 litres (1.75 imp gal; 2.11 US gal) | 5.5 | 150 kilograms (330 lb) | 150 horsepower (110 kW) | 2,100 | No | Direct drive | — | — | — | 6-cylinder inline water-cooled |
| 6Mb | 130 millimetres (5.1 in) | 170 millimetres (6.7 in) | 13.54 litres (2.98 imp gal; 3.58 US gal) | 6 | 250 kilograms (550 lb) | 300 horsepower (220 kW) | 2,100 | No | Direct drive | — | — | — | 6-cylinder inline water-cooled |
| 6Mbr | 130 millimetres (5.1 in) | 170 millimetres (6.7 in) | 13.54 litres (2.98 imp gal; 3.58 US gal) | 6 | 290 kilograms (640 lb) | 290 horsepower (220 kW) | 2,100 | No | 0.5:1 | — | — | — | 6-cylinder inline water-cooled |
| 8Aa | 120 millimetres (4.7 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 11.8 litres (2.6 imp gal; 3.1 US gal) | 4.7 | 195 kilograms (430 lb) | 175 horsepower (130 kW) | 2,100 | No | Direct drive | — | — | — | V-8 configuration at 90° |
| 8Ab | 120 millimetres (4.7 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 11.8 litres (2.6 imp gal; 3.1 US gal) | 5.3 | 195 kilograms (430 lb) | 235 horsepower (175 kW) | 2,100 | No | Direct drive | — | — | — | V-8 with elevated compression |
| 8Fb | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 150 millimetres (5.9 in) | 18.48 litres (4.07 imp gal; 4.88 US gal) | 5.3 | 270 kilograms (600 lb) | 345 horsepower (257 kW) | 2,100 | No | Direct drive | — | — | — | V-8 high-performance model |
| 9Qa | 127 millimetres (5.0 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 16 litres (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal) | 5.1 | 272 kilograms (600 lb) | 308 horsepower (230 kW) | No | Direct drive | 250 horsepower (190 kW) | 2,000 | Sea level | 9-cylinder radial engine | |
| 9Qb | 127 millimetres (5.0 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 15.96 litres (3.51 imp gal; 4.22 US gal) | 5.1 | 272 kilograms (600 lb) | 287 horsepower (214 kW) | No | Direct drive | 230 horsepower (170 kW) | 1,800 | Sea level | 9-cylinder radial engine | |
| 9Qc | 127 millimetres (5.0 in) | 140 millimetres (5.5 in) | 15.96 litres (3.51 imp gal; 4.22 US gal) | 6 | 272 kilograms (600 lb) | 418 horsepower (312 kW) | No | Direct drive | 300 horsepower (220 kW) | 2,200 | Sea level | 9-cylinder radial high compression | |
| 9V | 155.6 millimetres (6.13 in) | 174.7 millimetres (6.88 in) | [convert: invalid number] | 5.3 | [convert: invalid number] | Template:Convert 650 hp | No | Direct drive | Template:Convert 575 hpTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flipTemplate:Abbr=on order=flip |
This overview demonstrates Hispano-Suiza’s extensive engine range tailored for aviation sectors featuring both radial and inline arrangements delivering power outputs starting near , suitable for applications ranging from light aircraft to military fighters equipped with integrated armament systems.
The firm’s engineering philosophy focused on gradual enhancements in compression ratios and gearing mechanisms aimed at maximizing power efficiency while often foregoing supercharging—a strategic choice common in aero engine development during the early to mid-1900s.
Widespread implementation of reduction gearing facilitated compatibility with diverse propeller-driven aircraft requirements while preserving optimal engine RPMs for dependable operation and performance.
These powerplants solidified Hispano-Suiza’s reputation in aerospace as a key supplier of durable engines essential for civil aviation as well as military aviation during the interwar years and subsequent periods.
Applications and timeline
1928 ... [Further entries follow similar pattern but are omitted here for brevity] ... 1938 1938 1939 1940 1940 1942| Year | Aircraft model | Function | Engine type(s) | Quantity produced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Breguet XIX B.2 | Bomber with two seats | 1x12Hb | 4,000 |
| 1922 | Nieuport-Delage NiD 43 | Fighter seaplane | 1x12Hb | 1 |
| 1923 | CAMS 38 | Racing aircraft for Schneider Trophy | 1x12Fd | 1 |
| 1924 | Potez 26 | Single-seat bomber / ground attack plane | 1x12Ha | 1 |
| 1926 | Avimeta 88 | Two-seat fighter aircraft | 1x12Hb | 1 |
| 1926 | Nieuport-Delage NiD 42 | Fighter aircraft | 1x12Hb | 25 |
| 1926 | Levasseur PL.7 | Carrier-based torpedo bomber | 1x12Lbr | 41 |
| 1927 | Morane-Saulnier MoS-121 | Lightweight fighter plane | 1x12Jb | 1 |
| 1927 | Nieuport-Delage NiD.52 | Fighter aircraft | 1x12Hb | 125 |
| 1928 | Latécoère 32.3 | Flying boat for postal service transport | 1x12Hbr | 6 |
| 1928 | Nieuport-Delage NiD.62 | Fighter aircraft |
691 | |
| 1926 | Blériot 127.1 | "Multi-role combat aircraft with four seats" |
|
43 |
| "Breguet 284T" | "Airliner seating eight passengers" | "1x Hispano-Suiza 12Lbrx" | "8" | |
| "Dewoitine D.520" | "Fighter aircraft" | "1x Hispano-Suiza 12Y-45" | "900" | |
| "Morane-Saulnier MS.405" | "Fighter plane" | "1x Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31" | "17" | |
| "Morane-Saulnier MS.406" | "Fighter aircraft" | "1x Hispano-Suiza 12Y-45" | "1,000" | |
| "Arsenal VG-33" | "Fighter plane" | "1x Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31" | "155" | |
| "Breguet 482 B.4" | "Bomber with four seats" | "4x Hispano-Suiza 12Z" | "2" | |
| "Potez-CAMS 161" | "Transatlantic flying boat transport" |
1 |