Development of the Turbo Compound Engine

THE 18-cyl turbine-compounded engine developed by Wright is claimed to be an attractive powerplant for aircraft designed to fly up to speeds of about 450 mph.

The compounding of this engine is accomplished by means of three blowdown turbines. This type of turbine is used because, according to the authors, it is more efficient than the pressure turbine up to an altitude of about 30,000 ft. It is estimated that at take-off a suitable pressure turbine would provide about 8% increased engine output. The present Turbo Compound engine, with its blowdown turbines, gives an 18% increase.