The engines were built in Renault's factories in France and the United Kingdom with additional licensed production by other French and British manufacturers.

These engines were progressively improved with the introduction of aluminium pistons allowing for increased power output and reduced weight.

Cylinders are built in pairs with water circulated in welded liners using a single impeller centrifugal pump with dual outlets.

In addition to Renault's own production, some engines were built under license by other French manufacturers including Bellanger and Darracq.

During the first half of 1923 Aéropostale aircraft powered by the 12Fe travelled a collective 663,700 km (412,400 mi) without experiencing any engine failures.

In 1924, a 12Fe powered Aéropostale aircraft set a world safety record by traveling 150,000 km (93,000 mi) without experiencing any engine problems.

[11] From 1918, Renault 12Fe engines, fitted to Breguet 14 aircraft, were used to test experimental turbochargers designed by Auguste Rateau.

[13] The early Rateau turbochargers delivered air to the engine’s carburetor at around two times atmospheric pressure while consuming less than 30 hp (22 kW).