The original Kemp 1 cc crankshaft front rotary valve (FRV) diesel was the second model engine design to be introduced by the Kemp Engines company of Gravesend in Kent, England. It was preceded by the 4.4 cc Kemp K4 diesel of early 1947 which has been reviewed elsewhere on this website. The 1 cc model first appeared in around April 1947. It was among the very first British 1 cc diesels to reach the market

At the time of the release of these two models, British designers were playing catch-up with their Continental colleagues, some of whom had four or five years experience at the time when British model diesel manufacture was just becoming established.  As a result, the two early Kemp diesels performed at very modest levels by comparison with their Continental competition. The 1 cc model was a fine runner but was somewhat lacking in performance, particularly in the context of the emerging control line field.  It was however a well-built and dependable powerplant for sport free flight use.

A full review and test of this very well-made engine may be found elsewhere on this website.