Development of Piston Aero Engines

by Bill Gunston

When the first aviators sought engines to power their flying machines nearly a century ago, they did so in a world of rapid and exciting progress. This was a time of experiment and adventure, in which it soon became clear that what was needed was an engine that could give ample power but within reasonable limits of weight and bulk. That has been the criterion ever since, and still is. Here, expert aviation author Bill Gunston takes a thorough look at the history, development and application of these remarkable power plants, from those used by the Wright Brothers for their pioneering flights in the early 1900s right up to the small engines fitted to microlights today. He assesses what has led to the present state of piston aero engine design, as well as giving some thoughts on what the future might hold. Also included is a comprehensive review of all today's engines: air-cooled, liquid-cooled, units derived from basic automotive (car) designs, as well as some unconventional models. This fully updated second edition includes details of new families of engines being developed at the present time, as well as suggestions as to what the future might hold.

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.