Early in World War I, the British Admiralty asked Rolls-Royce to develop a 200 hp aircraft engine. Like many engines of the time, Rolls-Royce's design was strongly influenced by Mercedes. The prototype Eagle was first run in 1915 and was soon producing 225 hp.
The Eagle was subjected to constant improvement; the Eagle VIII was producing 350 hp by 1917. In the immediate post-war period, this engine was the leading British engine for large aircraft. The Eagle powered the first direct transatlantic flight as well as the first flight from England to Australia – both in the Vickers Vimy aircraft.

models

• Eagle VIII: 375 hp (280 kW)

specifications

• V-12 piston engine
• Liquid cooled
• Displacement 1,238 cubic inches (20 liters)
• Bore x stroke: 4.5 x 6.5 inches

used by

• de Havilland D.H.4