The other rotary engine

[Richard Bartrop]

 

[misterNNL]

It appears that the cylinders are rotating as well as the prop. Is that an optical illusion ?

[Richard Bartrop]

33 minutes ago, misterNNL said:

It appears that the cylinders are rotating as well as the prop. Is that an optical illusion ?

No, that exactly how a rotary engine works. The crankshaft is stationary, and the engine rotates.  It was a popular setup for aircraft engines in WW I.

[misterNNL]

Thanks. I had no clue that they worked in that way. I always wonder what ever motivated the original designers to start with the concept of something like a stationary crank and a rotating engine. Amazing how creative some people can be in situations like that,

[magicmustang]

Wow, but he needs to put it in a Pickup truck.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/this-airplane-engine-1939-plymouth-pickup-is-radically-radial/ar-AAhLuXP?li=BBisPVf&ocid=spartandhp#image=AAhLnrK|64

[stavanzer]

It was for cooling purposes. Light Weight, and Good Cooling. They used what was called a "Total Loss" oiling system. Castor Oil was used for the cylinder lube, and was just slung off, as the Engine rotated.  That Long White Scarf that WW1 aces wore? Used to Clean off your goggles, and cushion your neck so it didn't chafe with all the active Head turning you had to do while Flying.

Great Video. Long, but Gene DeMarco is one of the worlds experts in these planes.

 

 

 

[Racephoto1]

The one in the truck is a different type of radial.

[Greg Myers]

That's 4360 cubic inches, four rows of 7 cylinders, supercharged, 3000 hp.

[Richard Bartrop]

55 minutes ago, magicmustang said:

Wow, but he needs to put it in a Pickup truck.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/this-airplane-engine-1939-plymouth-pickup-is-radically-radial/ar-AAhLuXP?li=BBisPVf&ocid=spartandhp#image=AAhLnrK|64

There were a few rotary powered bikes and cars, like this 1906 Adams Farwell:

 

[THarrison351]

8 hours ago, Richard Bartrop said:

No, that exactly how a rotary engine works. The crankshaft is stationary, and the engine rotates.  It was a popular setup for aircraft engines in WW I.

Yes, and they ran at one speed or at least some of them did. So the pilot had to shut the ignition to the engine to slow down for landing. That's why they sound so odd when landing. check it out at 4:00.