ABC 8 hp explained

The ABC 8 hp is an 8 hp (6 kW) two-cylinder aero engine designed by the noted British engineer Granville Bradshaw for use in ultralight aircraft. The engine was derived from a specially tuned motorcycle unit and was built by ABC Motors, first running in 1923.^[1]

Applications

• English Electric Wren
• Handley Page H.P.22
• Pegna-Bonmartini Rondine

Surviving engines

The sole surviving English Electric Wren (G-EBNV) flies occasionally at the Shuttleworth Collection at Old Warden and is powered by an ABC 8 hp engine. With barely enough power to maintain flight the aircraft is assisted into the air by a team of volunteers using bungee cord, after which the Wren lands straight ahead following a short 'hop'.^[2]

References

Bibliography

• Guttery, T.E. The Shuttleworth Collection of historic aeroplanes, cars, cycles, carriages and fire engines. Biggleswade, Bedfordshire: The Collection, 1969.
• Lumsden, Alec. British Piston Engines and their Aircraft. Marlborough, Wiltshire: Airlife Publishing, 2003. .

Notes and References

1. Lumsden 2003, p.51.
2. http://www.shuttleworth.org/shuttleworth_aircraft_details.asp?ID=13 The Shuttleworth Collection - English Electric Wren