DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS OF LYCOMING’S XT-53 GAS TURBINE

In the course of the development of mechanical engineering, the reciprocating type of machinery has been replaced by rotating or turbo machinery in many areas. Steam turbines replaced steam engines, centrifugal pumps took the place of piston pumps, and so forth. The reason is quite obvious; with reciprocating machinery we are restricted to a rather low working speed, and in addition, the reciprocating motion must be converted into a rotary movement. Turbo machinery, however, works directly with a continuous rotation and therefore can operate with very high speed. These facts are primarily responsible for the outstanding characteristics of turbo machinery -- small dimensions and low weight. It is therefore by no means a surprise that turbo machinery in the form of the gas turbine has entered the field of aeronautics where low powerplant weight and small dimensions are of greater importance than almost anywhere else. I do not say that gas turbines will replace reciprocating engines completely; we still have steam engines and piston pumps. However, it is quite certain that they will take over in all areas and applications where they can do a better job. In the interest of progress, it is our duty to determine these areas and to introduce the turbine there. Certainly all of us realize that this is a rather difficult and involved problem.