The Rotating Combustion Engine - Compact, Lightweight Power for Aircraft

The status of the rotating combustion aircraft engine program at Curtiss-Wright as of the fall, 1966, is presented. Related developments which led to present configurations are briefly discussed and likely directions for the future are mentioned.

This prior work included cumulative test time of 34,000 hr on one to four-rotor engines covering a displacement range of 445/1; the development of durable, efficient components; feasibility demonstrations of air cooling and heavy fuels operation; and field testing in automobiles, boats, and generating sets. This background leading to the current JP fuel-injected 310 hp engine (RC 2-90) is developed to show that today's RC engine offers propeller driven and rotary wing aircraft a new powerplant approaching the size, weight, and smoothness of the gas turbine at reciprocating engine fuel economy and cost.