Development of Piston Aero Engines

by Bill Gunston

Bill Gunston takes a thorough look at the theory, history, development and application of piston aero engines, from those used by the Wright Brothers for their pioneering flights right up to the small engines fitted to micro lights today. Illustrated throughout, this classic aviation title is available in paperback for the first time.

Genres: Aviation

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Bill Gunston was a British aviation and military author. He flew with Britain's Royal Air Force from 1945 to 1948, and after pilot training became a flying instructor. He spent most of his adult life doing research and writing on aircraft and aviation. He was the author of over 350 books and articles. His work included many books published by Salamander Books.

Reviews

[knoba · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Contents
Introduction
Section 1: How it works
1. Basic principles
2. Engine cycles
3. Engine design 1
4. Engine design 2
Section 2: How engines developed
5. The dawn of powered flight
6. Between the world wars
7. The big-engine peak
8. Piston engines today and tomorrow
Piston engine aircraft speed
Appendix of abbreviations
Bibliography
Index

[Ian Divertie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it was OK and if you know nothing about aero engines a good place to start. The authors background makes him an invaluable resource as an RAF test pilot and evaluator of foreign engine and aircraft types. In some ways though eventually I found the book frustrating, and that's maybe just a subjective opinion. I at times began to question his facts and opinions by the end of the book, not so much his opinions as facts. I made a list of questions I had or facts I wasn't sure of and lost it and I am not really willing to go back and reproduce it as its been over a week since I finished the book. Still, all and all a must read if you are interested in engines of any kind for any purpose.