Airplane Engine Encyclopedia
In 1908, the Elbridge Engine Company of Rochester, N.Y., placed on the market two-cycle vertical type marine engines which interested amateur aviators by reason of their dependability and light weight per horsepower. A majority of the so-called successful amateur flights during the period of 1909-1911 were made with an Elbridge engine supplying the power.
Among the first engines sold to amateur aviators was the Type A, a water cooled two-cylinder engine rated at 6/10 h.p. and weighing 88 lbs. The bore was 3.75 in., the stroke 3.5 in., and the total displacement 77.32 cu. in.
The Type C was a three cylinder water-cooled engine rated at 18/30 h.p. This engine weighed 235 lbs. The bore was 4.625 in., the stroke 4.5 in., and the total displacement 226.8 cu. In.
A four-cylinder air-cooled experimental model, sold to Dr. Greene in 1909, had a 3.5 in. bore and stroke, and a total displacement of 134.68 cu. In.
Featherweight
The "Featherweight" types were placed on the market in the spring of 1910 and the three, four and six-cylinder models became very popular for aviation. The bore and stroke were 4.625 in. and 4.5 in. respectively. The cylinders were cast from iron, and the crankcase from aluminum. Bosch magnetos were fitted for ignition, Schebler carburetors furnished the mixture, and a splash system of lubrication was employed.
The three-cylinder model , having a total displacement of 226.8 cu. In. was rated 30/45 h.p. at 1400 r.p.m. and weighed 150 lbs. The overall dimensions were as follows: length 32 in., width 12.5 in., and height 20.25 in.
The four-cylinder model was rated 40/60 h.p. at 1400 r.p.m. The total displacement was 302.4 cu. in., and the reported weight 200 lbs. The overall dimensions were as follows: length 38 in, width 12.5 in., and height 20.25 in.
The six-cylinder "Featherweight" model was rated at 60/90 h.p. and weighed 250 lbs. The total displacement was 453.6 cu. in. The overall length was 50 in., the width and height being the same as the three and four-cylinder models.
Aero Special
A modified four-cylinder "featherweight", brought out during the next year, was known as the Elbridge Aero Special. The rated output was 50/60 h.p. and the weight (minus ignition) 150 lbs. This engine was more efficient at higher speeds than the "Featherweight" types, being capable of pulling maximum loads at 2000 r.p.m.
From "Airplane Engine Enclopedia" by Glenn D. Angle, 1921