DAYTON, Ohio -- Hispano-Suiza 8BE engine on display in the Early Years Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The Hispano-Suiza water-cooled engine, adopted by the French Air Service in 1916, rapidly proved its value in combat. After the United States entered World War I, the Wright-Martin company adapted the "Hisso" to American manufacturing methods and produced it in large numbers.
The 150-hp Model A on display is a Wright-Martin product. In 1918 U.S. Air Service SPADs and SE5s used more powerful versions of this basic V-8 design.
