The Gnome 7 Omega was a 7-cylinder rotary engine producing around 50 hp (37 kW). Introduced in 1908, it was one of the first successful rotary engines produced by the French Société des Moteurs Gnome. Its compact, lightweight design and relative simplicity made it ideal for early monoplanes, biplanes, and training aircraft. The 7 Omega helped lay the foundation for the rapid development of aviation before and during the First World War.

Aircraft powered by the Gnome 7 Omega

• Blériot XI – the famous monoplane that made the first flight across the English Channel; some variants used the 50 hp 7 Omega.
• Farman III – early French pusher biplane; occasionally fitted with the 7 Omega for training or experimental purposes.
• Morane-Saulnier Type A – small early monoplane trainers and sport aircraft.
• Demoiselle Santos-Dumont – some of the lightweight pre-WWI experimental aircraft used the 7 Omega.
• Various pre-war sport, experimental, and training aircraft – due to its reliability and light weight, the 7 Omega was widely installed in early French and European aircraft.

Historical significance

The Gnome 7 Omega played a pivotal role in the earliest era of powered flight. Its introduction marked one of the first practical rotary engines, helping pilots gain confidence in flying and enabling the development of faster, lighter aircraft. It paved the way for the later, more powerful Gnome Monosoupape and Delta engines that dominated WWI aviation.{{freeshipping_code_1}}{{payment}}