SAAM Aircraft Engines
A historically significant aircraft engine collection in Port Adelaide
Explore SAAM’s aircraft engine collection, including radial engines, turbojets, turbofans and the Wittber Aero Engine, recognised as the first aircraft engine built in Australia.
SAAM's Engine Collection
The South Australian Aviation Museum has a large and historically significant collection of aircraft engines, with many on display and others carefully preserved in storage. Once or twice each year, the Museum hosts an Engine Run and Open Cockpit Day, giving visitors the rare opportunity to see and hear selected historic engines running and to sit in the cockpits of aircraft that are normally closed to the public. Check our facebook page for latest news.
The First Aircraft Engine Built in Australia
On 13 March 1910, Carl "Bill" Wittber made aviation history when a Bleriot XI briefly lifted off during taxiing trials at Bolivar, achieving what is recognised as Australia's first powered aircraft flight.
After the aircraft crashed a few days later, Wittber salvaged its Anzani engine and went on to design and build Australia's first aircraft engine. Completed in 1915, the six-cylinder Wittber engine was never flown after civilian aviation projects were halted during the First World War. In later years, Wittber recovered and rebuilt the engine, which is now on display in Hangar 1 at the South Australian Aviation Museum.
Engines at SAAM (some on display, some in storage)
