quote Garry in Tampa:
A replica of the 1911 Johnson monoplane is in the Smithsonian museum. When put on display it was said by the museum director to be way ahead of it’s time. The first light weight high powered V-4 engine, first use of aluminum in aircraft. But for an "act of God" (tornado) Johnson could have been a leading aircraft builder today. . . 🙂
Garry, I believe we had touched on this subject years back in the old forum. Those of us with the book "Evinrude Johnson" and The Legend of OMC covers this whole area on the "VEE" 4, 6, 8 and 12 cylinder engines for aircraft starting on page 33. It is very clear those other internet connections did not give credit to Jeffery Rodengen who wrote about this before for all to know! When I received his book back in ’92, he signed mine in August. Some will have other dates. Great reading for us members to all pursue.
Jer