Le Rhône Rotary Engine (110 HP)

The V4 prototype Fokker Triplane belonging to Voß was equipped with a captured Le Rhône rotary engine. The 110 HP engine was used in many allied aircraft to include the popular Nieuport 17 fighter/scout. By 1917 German manufacturing was having difficulties keeping up with her war needs and it was not uncommon to press servicable captured engines back in to service, especially an engine as reliable as the Le Rhône.

In the case of Voß's triplane Fok. F.I 103/17 it was a Le Rhône, Type J, 110 Hp, s/n 3247. It was taken from a captured British Nieuport 17.

The 110 HP Le Rhône
  • Nation: France
  • Manufacturer: Le Rhône
  • Year of introduction: 1914
  • Type: 9 cylinder air cooled rotary
  • Bore: 112 mm
  • Stroke: 170 mm
  • Displacement: 15,066 cubic centimeters
  • Cylinders: Bore 112 mm, Stroke 175 mm
  • Compression Ratio:
  • Ignition system: Magneto, 1 spark plug side mounted on each cylinder
  • Induction system: Carburettor
  • Boost system: None
  • lubrication: Castor oil
  • Starter: Manual (propeller)
  • Cooling system: Air
  • Auxiliary drive:
  • Propeller drive: Direct
  • Weight: 308 lb (all up)
  • Diameter: 96 cm
  • Length: 89 cm
  • Output: 110 hp @ 1200 RPM at sea level.
  • Max RPM: 1,200