[2] In 1928 Richard K. LeBlond purchased Detroit Aircraft Engineering Corporation, then a subsidiary of Detroit's automaker Rickenbacker owned by World War I pilot and ace Eddie Rickenbacker[3] and the engineer, Glenn D.

In December 1937, to offset a large tax liability incurred by the LeBlond Tool company, the subsidiary, LeBlond Engines, was sold at a significant loss to Raymond A. Rearwin of Rearwin Airplanes.

In the 1960s the remaining parts were sold to the Antique Airplane Association of Blakesburg, Iowa.

[2] Parts were interchangeable between the 5 and 7-cylinder models of the LeBlond and later Ken-Royce engines, including the cylinder assemblies, gear case and oil pump.

[2] The Stromberg NAR-3 carburetor contained a built-in "primer" which acted like a choke by leaking gasoline into the intake stream when activated, in order to prime the engine.