The Gnome 7 Omega (commonly called the Gnome 50 hp) is a French seven-cylinder, air-cooled aero engine. It was shown at the Paris Aero Salon held in December 1908 and was first flown in 1909. It was the world's first aviation rotary engine produced in quantity. Its introduction revolutionized the aviation industry and it was used by many early aircraft. It produced 50 horsepower (37 kW) from its capacity of 8 litres (488 cubic inches). A Gnome Omega engine powers the 1912 Blackburn Monoplane, owned and operated by the Shuttleworth Collection, the oldest known airworthy British-designed aeroplane worldwide. A two-row version of the same engine was also produced, known as the Gnome 14 Omega-Omega or Gnome 100 hp. The prototype Omega engine still exists, and is on display at the United States' National Air and Space Museum.
Gnome 7 Omega
Single-row 7-cyl. original version; 50 hp (37 kW).
Gnome 14 Omega-Omega
Two-row, 14-cylinder version using Omega cylinders; 100 hp (75 kW).
Avro 501
Bleriot XXIII
Bristol-Gordon England G.E.2
Coventry Ordnance Works Biplane 10
Nieuport IV.H floatplane
Short S.41 Tractor Biplane
Short S.57 Seaplane
Short S.64 Folder Seaplane
Short Admiralty Type 74
The very first Gnome rotary engine ever built, Gnôme Omega No. 1, is on display at the National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
A preserved production Gnome 7 Omega engine is on public display at the Royal Air Force Museum London.
A restored Omega is on display at the New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks, CT.
Data from Lumsden.
Type: 7-cylinder, single-row, rotary engine
Bore: 110 mm (4.3 in)
Stroke: 120 mm (4.7 in)
Displacement: 8 L (488.5 cu in)
Length: 79 cm (31 in)
Diameter: 84 cm (33 in)
Dry weight: 75 kg (165 lb)
Valvetrain: pressure-driven inlet valves were located on the pistons
Oil system: Total loss, castor oil
Cooling system: Air-cooled
Reduction gear: Direct drive, right-hand tractor, left-hand pusher
Power output: 37 kW (50 hp) at 1,200 rpm
