80 hp Gnome Monosoupape Type A.30

The Gnome aero engine was developed by Laurent Seguin in France during 1906. He chose the rotary layout, in which the whole engine complete with propeller, rotates while the crankshaft is bolted to the aircraft structure, because of its advantages in cooling and smooth running.

The original engine had five cylinders and produced 34 hp. and engines of this type powered many pioneer aircraft including Pemberton-Billing's early designs.

The seven cylinder, 80 hp, version appeared in 1910 and by 1912 Seguin had dispensed with the flap inlet valve in the piston in favour of two-stroke type transfer ports. In this form the engine was known as the 'Monosoupape' (i.e. single valve) and these were produced in vast quantities during the first World War in 7, 9 and two-row, 18-cylinder versions.

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