REQUIREMENTS OF AERONAUTIC POWERPLANT DEVELOPMENT*

In discussing the probable trend of aeronautical powerplant development and subsequent to a brief survey of the present situation, the authors review the evolution of various engine types and analyze the effect of their characteristics on airplane performance, considering also the proper installation of airplane powerplants. The problem now confronting the industry is one of establishing standard types for the powerplants required by each service and setting up reasonable power requirements for each unit. For each service, factors must be developed to permit the making of correct comparisons of the performance of the different engines.

The future types of engine are considered at some length and special reference is made to radial engines. Curves and tabular data accompany the discussion of variations in engine elements and the characteristics of a high-speed airplane are treated in a similar manner. Following a lengthy review of the factors that should govern powerplant installation, a summary of the paper is presented in conclusion.