| Early
in World War I, the British Admiralty asked Rolls-Royce to develop a
200 hp aircraft engine. Like many engines of the time,
Rolls-Royce's design was strongly influenced by Mercedes. The
prototype Eagle was first run in 1915 and was soon producing
225 hp.
The Eagle was subjected to constant improvement;
the Eagle VIII was producing 350 hp by 1917. In the immediate
post-war period, this engine was the leading British engine for
large aircraft. The Eagle powered the first direct
transatlantic flight as well as the first flight from England to
Australia – both in the Vickers Vimy aircraft. |
|
 | V-12 piston engine |
| Liquid cooled |
| Displacement 1,238 cubic inches (20 liters) |
| Bore x stroke: 4.5 x 6.5 inches |
|
