Wolseley Viper aircraft engine that powered the 1/16 scale SE-5A Model Airways

Wooden and metal model kit to assemble of the Wolseley Viper engine which powered the SE-5A aircraft of the First World War.

Derived from the Hispano Suiza HS-8 liquid-cooled V8 engine, it powered later models of the SE-5, SPAD VII and other British aircraft.

The Wolseley Viper engine, which powered the legendary SE-5 aircraft during World War I, is a true masterpiece of aeronautical engineering.
Designed and produced by the British company Wolseley Motors Limited, this eight-cylinder V engine quickly gained a reputation for excellence and reliability.
Boasting impressive power, the Wolseley Viper played a crucial role in the SE-5's aerial combat successes. Its innovative design and advanced technology placed this engine among the most powerful of its time.

With a displacement of 18.3 litres, it delivered a power output of over 200 horsepower, which was considerable for the time.

One of the most striking characteristics of the Wolseley Viper was its exceptional reliability. Pilots had complete confidence in this engine, knowing that it would always deliver, even in the most demanding situations and the most difficult conditions.

This reliability allowed the pilots to focus on their mission, knowing they could count on the Viper's constant power to support them.

In terms of performance, the Wolseley Viper was quite remarkable. It gave the SE-5 superior speed and agility, which was essential in the fast and dynamic air combat of the time.

Its ability to maintain high performance at varying altitudes made it a versatile engine, suitable for a wide variety of missions.

The Wolseley Viper's design was also praised for its simplicity and robustness. This made it an engine that was easy to maintain and repair in the field, a valuable asset during military operations where immediate aircraft availability was crucial.

Beyond its technical performance, the Wolseley Viper was also a highly regarded engine for its role in the history of British military aviation. It contributed significantly to the successes of Allied airmen during the First World War.

Today, the Wolseley Viper is a centerpiece of aviation history. It embodies the ingenuity and technical expertise of its time, and remains a symbol of the collective effort of the engineers and pilots who helped shape the aeronautical landscape of the First World War.

Historically accurate and detailed metal aircraft engine, in a build-it-yourself kit!
Laser-cut pieces of basswood for assembling the propeller.
Engine parts made of cast brass and tin.
Laser-cut wooden engine mount.
Illustrated, clearly written and with instructions.

Model features:

Propeller diameter 15 cm
Length (engine block): 8.89cm
Width (engine block): 6.03cm
Scale 1:16