Allison Engine Company

Allison Engine Company was an American manufacturer of aircraft engines and automotive components founded by James A. Allison in 1915. Its early activities were connected with automobiles, racing and related mechanical manufacturing, before the company developed a substantial aircraft-engine business. During the Second World War, Allison produced aircraft engines for the United States military and became an important participant in the American aviation industry. After the war, it continued activities in aircraft propulsion and related industrial power businesses and operated for many years as part of General Motors, commonly using the name Allison Division of General Motors. In 1995, Rolls-Royce acquired the relevant Allison engine business, incorporating it into its aerospace-engine operations. As its organizational identity changed after the acquisition, Allison Engine Company is primarily a historical company brand rather than an independent current brand.

Allison Engine Company's history began in 1915 under founder James A. Allison. The company initially worked in automobiles, racing and mechanical components before expanding into aircraft engines. During the Second World War, Allison produced aircraft engines for the United States military, becoming part of the wartime expansion of American aviation manufacturing. After the war, it continued in aircraft propulsion and related industrial activities and became an operating division of General Motors, commonly identified as Allison Division of General Motors. In this period, Allison was no longer simply a founder-led enterprise but a specialized propulsion business within General Motors. In 1995, Rolls-Royce acquired the relevant Allison engine business. Its operations and technical assets were subsequently incorporated into Rolls-Royce's aerospace-engine organization, ending Allison Engine Company’s existence as an independent company and brand.

• 1995

  Acquired by Rolls-Royce

  Rolls-Royce acquired the relevant business of the Allison Engine Company, and Allison's operations were subsequently folded into its aero-engine organization.

• 1915

  Founding of the company

  James Allison founded the Allison Engine Company; its early business covered automobiles, racing, and mechanical manufacturing.

Manufacturer of aircraft engines and mechanical power systems

• Allison aircraft engines

  Aircraft engines formed one of the central historical activities of Allison and included production for United States military and aviation customers. Specific models and production periods require further verification from reliable model-level sources.

• Automotive and racing engines

  The company was involved in automotive and racing power systems in its early period, building experience in mechanical and engine manufacturing. Available material is insufficient to provide a complete list of model names.