A Spanish company famed for its automobiles and engines, Hispano-Suiza began operations in 1901, its World War I foray into aircraft engine design resulting in a water-cooled V-8 motor used on a number of wartime aircraft. Nicknamed the “Hisso,” the engine was a cast block design made of aluminum, which made for easier construction and was much lighter. All told, an astounding 49,893 “Hissos” rolled off assembly lines during World War I, including those of Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation, which subcontracted production. U.S. Navy aircraft that used them included the MF boat and certain versions of the N-9 seaplane.