Napier Lion V

The Napier Lion was one of the most powerful engines developed for the RAF. It has an unusual ‘W’ arrangement with three rows of four cylinders. Lion V engines were fitted to Supermarine Southamptons.

The Lion was a 12-cylinder water-cooled W-block engine which had three banks of four cylinders sharing a common crankcase. Between the wars the Lion engine and variants were fitted to over 160 different types of aircraft. As well as aircraft, the Lion also powered boats and cars, featuring in racing and record-breaking activities. Lion V engines such as this one were fitted to Supermarine Southampton Is of the Royal Air Force.