The Gnome 9 Delta was a 9-cylinder rotary engine producing about 50 hp (37 kW). Introduced before the First World War, it was part of the famous French Gnome family of rotaries that became the benchmark for early light aircraft powerplants. Compact, relatively simple, and lightweight, the 9 Delta was widely used in the years 1912–1915, especially on smaller aircraft and trainers.

Aircraft powered by the Gnome 9 Delta

• Avro 504 (early versions) – the famous British trainer first flew in 1913 with a 50 hp Gnome rotary before being fitted with more powerful engines.
• Caudron G.II – an early French twin-boom pusher biplane, used for reconnaissance and training.
• Caudron G.III – a refined version of the G.II, often powered by the 50 hp Gnome 9 Delta in early production runs.
• Morane-Saulnier Type H – a light monoplane widely used as a trainer and sport aircraft before and during the war.
• Morane-Saulnier Type L (Parasol) – reconnaissance and training aircraft, with some fitted with the 9 Delta.
• Sopwith Tabloid (prototype) – the small British single-seat biplane racer and scout, which in its earliest form flew with a 50 hp Gnome rotary.
• Various pre-war and training aircraft – due to its modest power and availability, the 9 Delta was installed in numerous sport and instructional machines across Europe.

Historical significance

Although quickly overshadowed by more powerful 80–100 hp rotary engines, the Gnome 9 Delta was crucial in the transition from pre-war sport and racing aircraft to military reconnaissance and training types. Its light weight and proven design made it an ideal choice for early aviation pioneers and for the first generation of WWI pilots learning to fly.{{freeshipping_code_1}}{{payment}}