| 9B | |
|---|---|
| |
| Preserved Clerget 9B engine on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton. | |
| Type | Rotary engine |
| National origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Clerget-Blin |
| First run | 1913 |
| Major applications | Sopwith Camel |
| Number built | 3,650 (British production) |
| Developed into | Bentley BR1 |
The Clerget 9B is a nine-cylinder rotary aircraft engine of the World War I era designed by Pierre Clerget. Manufactured in both France and Great Britain (Gwynnes Limited), it was used on such aircraft as the Sopwith Camel. The Clerget 9Bf was an increased stroke version.[1]
(1913) 130 hp (97 kW). 1,300 produced by Ruston Proctor & Co Ltd of Lincoln
(1915) 140 hp (104 kW). Extended stroke 172 mm (6.75 in) version, increasing capacity to 17.5 L (1,066.5 cu in). 1,750 produced by Gwynnes Limited and 600 produced by Ruston Proctor.
The Shuttleworth Collection based at Old Warden Aerodrome, UK, operate an airworthy late production Sopwith Triplane (G-BOCK)[3] fitted with an original 9B as well as an airworthy late production Sopwith Camel (G-BZSC)[4] fitted with an original long-stroke 9Bf. These aircraft can be seen displaying at home air displays through the summer months.
