Renault 12 Fe V-12 Engine

Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, water-cooled

Power rating: 244 kW (327 hp) at 1,600 rpm

Displacement: 22.1 L (1,348 cu in.)

Bore and Stroke: 125 mm (4.92 in.) x 150 mm (5.91 in.)

Weight: 360 kg (794 lb)

This famous firm began manufacturing automobiles in 1898 at Billancourt, France, completing its first aircraft engine in 1908, a four cylinder water-cooled, in-line type. In 1917, Renault began production of the Model 12 Fe, a water-cooled V-12 engine, which powered the Army Breguet XIV A2 (1) and the Voisin X night bomber.

More than 7,000 engines were built after the War. The Model 12 Fe powered civil transport aircraft owned by Latecoere de l'Aeropostale on the French-Morocco route. In 1919, a Breguet XIV equipped with a Rateau-turbosupercharged 12 Fe engine set an altitude record with passengers of 9,200 meters (30,200 ft). In Britain, Wolseley Motors built Renault engines under license in Birmingham. The British-built Renault 12 Fe powered the Airco D.H.4, Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.7, and Short (Admiralty Type) 184 aircraft.