World War I saw the first use of aircraft in large-scale conflicts and the battlefield has never been the same since. These early airplanes used rotary engines, in which the crankshaft remains stationary while the rest of engine rotates around it.

You won’t see many original WWI aircraft engines still in use today, but if you happen to visit a small machine shop in New Zealand, you can order a brand-new one. In addition to making parts for vintage aircraft and general machining services, Classic Aero Machining Service is building 1915 Gnome engines using modern manufacturing techniques. “Our idea was to produce original rotary engines which were safe, reliable and affordable,” said Tony Wytenburg, chief engineer and managing director of Classic Aero Machining Service. “I’ve been in business since 2004; I can’t say I enjoy everything about running a small business, but I do take great satisfaction from making parts. Being able to make a lot of parts which, when finished, is a running engine is one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done.”

Pictured to the right is a a brand-new Gnome rotary engine courtesy of Classic Aero Machining Serivce.

Read the full article here by ENGINEERING.com who had the chance to get Wytenburg’s insights on this unique project - July 15, 2016