Object Details
Manufacturer
Clement, France
Physical Description
Type: Reciprocating, 2 cylinders, air-cooled
Power rating: 2.237 kW (3 hp) at 1,000 rpm
Displacement: 0.36 L (21.8 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 5.72cm (2.25 in.) x 6.99 cm (2.75 in.)
Weight: 12.0 kg (26.4 lb)
Summary
This French engine powered the Santos-Dumont Airship No. 9 in 1903. It performed two tasks: propulsion and the operation of a belt driven blower to pressurize the airship's envelope. Although designed for the Clement Autocyclette motorcycle, it was easily converted to aeronautical use because of its light weight and adequate power.
Alberto Santos-Dumont, a wealthy Brazilian based in Paris, first became famous by flying his dirigible No. 6 around the Eiffel Tower in 1901 and, in 1906, made the first airplane flight in Europe. This artifact was of special interest because it had "connected with it the smallest motor which has ever been successfully applied to a dirigible balloon." From the accession file, it appears that Airship No. 9 was to be flown at an exhibition in St. Louis in 1904, but was vandalized and not flown again.
Alternate Name
Clement V-2 Engine
Key Accomplishment(s)
Powered Airship No. 9
Brief Description
This French engine powered Airship No. 9, built by Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont, in 1903. It provided propulsion and the operation of a belt driven blower to pressurize the airship's envelope.
Credit Line
Gift of Edward C. Boyce
Date
1903
Inventory Number
A19080001000
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
Materials
Aluminum alloys, iron alloys, copper alloys, wood, leather
Dimensions
Overall: 2 ft. 9 in. × 2 ft. 3 in. × 2 ft. 9 in. (83.8 × 68.6 × 83.8cm)
Country of Origin
France
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
Early Flight
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19080001000
