The Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major is a British five-cylinder (later seven-cylinder), air-cooled, radial engine for aircraft, designed and built by Armstrong Siddeley and first run in 1928. It developed 140 horsepower (104 kW). In Royal Air Force use the seven-cylinder version was known as the Civet I. The Feliform names used are in line with company convention, the Genet and Civet[1] both being large cat-like carnivores.
Variants and applications
The Genet Major 1 was a five-cylinder engine of 105 horsepower (78 kW) that was closely related to the Genet I but with increased bore and stroke.
- Avro Avian
- Avro 619
- Avro 624
- Avro 638 Club Cadet
- Cierva C.19 Autogiro
- Civilian Coupé
- Saro Cutty Sark
- Southern Martlet
- Westland IV
The Genet Major 1A (or Civet I in RAF service) was a seven-cylinder development of the Genet Major I, nominally rated at 145 horsepower (108 kW).
- Avro Avian
- Avro Cadet
- Avro Rota
- Cierva C.30A Autogiro
- RWD-6 (not specified 7-cylinder Genet Major sub-type)
- Saro Cutty Sark
- SEA-1
- Westland Wessex
As Genet Major IA but with cylinders using cast rocker boxes.
A geared propeller drive version of the Genet Major IA, 160 horsepower (120 kW).
Survivors
An Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major powers Southern Martlet (G-AAYX) which is owned and operated by the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden and flies at home air displays throughout the summer months.[2]
Engines on display
- An Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major IA is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.[3]
- An Armstrong Siddeley Genet Major IV can be seen in Polish Aviation Museum in Cracow.[4]
- Aviation Heritage Museum (Western Australia)[5]
Specifications (Genet Major IA/Civet I)
Data from Lumsden[6]
- Type: 7-cylinder single-row radial piston engine
- Bore: 4.25 in (107.95 mm)
- Stroke: 4.5 in (114.3 mm)
- Displacement: 452.01 cu in (7.3 L)
- Length: 38.8 in (985.5 mm)
- Diameter: 38.15 in (970 mm)
- Dry weight: 327 lb (148 kg)
- Valvetrain: Overhead poppet valves
- Fuel type: 77 Octane petrol
- Cooling system: Air-cooled
- Reduction gear: Direct drive, Left hand tractor
- Power output: 165 hp (123 kW) at 2,425 rpm at sea level
- Compression ratio: 5:1
- Power-to-weight ratio: 0.5 hp/lb
See also
Related development
Comparable engines
Related lists