OXYGEN BOOST OF ENGINE POWER AT ALTITUDE

LIQUID-OXYGEN injection, especially in combination with water injection, has proved to be a practicable means of improving power output of aircraft engines at altitude. Its use for limited periods in nonservice installations has increased speed, rate of climb, and operational ceiling without increasing the tendency toward knocking.

The injection system can be readily applied to existing aircraft. It is remarkably light in weight - a system weighing 180 lb, including about 100 lb of oxygen, will increase the power of an R-2800 by 300 hp for 16 min. Maximum permissible boost is limited by engine cooling.