Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Wolseley Viper

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Wolseley Viper

The Wolseley Viper is a British-built, high-compression derivative of the Hispano Suiza HS-8 liquid-cooled V-8 engine, built under licence by Wolseley Motors during World War I.

Contents

It powered later models of the S.E.5a, SPAD VII and other British or British-built aircraft designed for the Hispano-Suiza.

Variants

Wolseley W.4A Python I
Wolseley W.4A Python II
Wolseley W.4A Viper
Wolseley W.4B Adder I
Wolseley W.4B Adder II
Wolseley W.4B Adder III
Wolseley W.4A Python

Applications

  • Airco DH.9
  • Avro 552
  • Bristol M.R.1
  • Bristol Tourer
  • Cierva C.8
  • Martinsyde F.6
  • Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a
  • Sopwith Antelope
  • Sopwith Cuckoo

    • Survivors

    A Wolseley Viper powered Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a is owned by, and on display at The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome in the UK.

    Engines on display

  • A preserved Wolseley Viper is on public display at the Science Museum, London.
  • A preserved Wolseley Viper is on public display at the Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina

    • Specifications (W.4A Viper)

    Data from Lumsden

    General characteristics

  • Type: 8-cylinder, upright, 90 degree Vee engine
  • Bore: 4.72 in (120 mm)
  • Stroke: 5.12 in (130 mm)
  • Displacement: 716.8 cu in (11.77 L)
  • Dry weight: 500 lb

    • Components

  • Fuel system: Twin Zenith-Duplex carburettors
  • Cooling system: Liquid-cooled
  • Reduction gear: Direct drive, Right-hand tractor

    • Performance

  • Power output: 200 hp at 2,000 rpm (takeoff power)
  • Compression ratio: 5.3:1

    • References

    Wolseley Viper Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA