DETONATION in FLIGHT - Its Effect on Fuel Consumption and Engine Life

FORMER development work had indicated that in flight, a substantial fuel waste can be safely eliminated when M.I.T.-Sperry detonation equipment is used for limiting detonation by adjusting fuel mixtures.

It is realized, however, that before this revolutionary method of mixture adjustment can be advocated, it is imperative that it be determined if significant structural damage will result from this method of operation.

The flight tests described in this paper have definitely substantiated former results, and in addition, have indicated that light detonation, commonly known as “trace knock,” has an insignificant effect on engine life.