Gnome Monosoupape Type N

The Gnome, the first successful rotary aero engine, was invented by Laurent and Giles Seguin in 1907-08. The rotary engine’s crankcase, cylinders and propeller all spin while the crankshaft is stationary, whereas the conventional radial engine’s cylinders are fixed and the propeller and crankshaft turn. Gnomes powered many early aircraft and were synonymous with WWI Nieuports.