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Aviation History
1944
1944 - 1179.PDF
JUNE 8TH, 1944 F L I POWER PLANT- PAST AND FUTURE torque characteristic, elimination of mechanical clatter and intermittent exhaust noise, and possibly the use ;if kerosene, or some similar high flash-point fuel. In addition, when the fundamental design factors have been firmly established, and advantage can be taken of the scale effect, we can expect the rapid realisation of power units for specific application, even in the very high-power class, and thus achieve that ideal state whereby the manufacture of prototype aircraft, together with '' tailor made '' and properly matched power units, can be effected simul taneously. This, as we know, has not been possible with reciprocating engines up to the present time, and the air craft designer has, in the past, been faced with the alter native of taking a chance with new types of partially developed engines, or fitting proven marks which set a limitation on the performance and design of the machine. > We are undoubtedly on the verge of a new era in aircraft fftwer plant, and it is for the aircraft designer to show the way as to how these new prime movers can best be employed. From what has been said, it will be gleaned that, on the whole, this country has every reason to feel satisfied that it has taken a foremost place in the evolution of prime movers for aircraft for the last thirty years, and that when this war ends we shall possess a family of high-output military aircraft engines which is second to none in regard to power at altitude and the maximum utilisation of a given pound of material. Concerted Post-war Programme It is submitted that what we have to do for the future is to face up to a carefully planned scheme, which will ensure enthusiasm, keenness, and co-ordinated team-work from the whole country, both in regard to the development of improved materials as well as the actual power plants them selves. Further, that we must make sure that there will be no lull or slipping back whatsoever after this war, and that we shall have a concerted and adequate research and development programme covering the whole field and extending for at least ten years. I started this paper by saying that at the dawn of avia tion, aircraft pioneers had been waiting on the evolution of a satisfactory and light enough, power plant, which statement, in broad principle, holds "good to-day, insomuch J iat if we are going to see the improvement in cleanliness nd streamlining of aircraft which we believe is possible, and the step-up in speed which we think is still to come, then the engine designer and power plant engineer must continue to produce better and more efficient complete power plant units. The position, however, is somewhat reversed in modern times as regards the initiative compared with what has been the case in the past. With the prospect of the gas turbine being built-in within the envelope of the wing, and the stimulus that this will give to improved and ducted conventional piston power plant, the ball is, I submit, in the court of the aircraft designer, and it will be necessary for him to produce airframes of considerably reduced drag in order to pay adequate dividends on the new power plants, which, we believe are just round the corner. There is no need, however, for us to fall out as to where the responsibility lies, and this suggestion is simply thrown out as a spur to the aircraft designer of what is expected from him in the future: the engine fraternity are under no delusion as to what they have on their plate for the next ten years. Aircraft power plant has arrived at an inspiring position, and, providing we can have the right leadership, the future generation of young engineers in this country, who will have the privilege of working on this highly interesting branch of engineering, should have great opportunities. As 1 have endeavoured to bring out, air craft-engine development is one of the most precise forms (Above) The latest proposals in power-plant design include a circular cowling section for in-line engines, and a modified form of flame-damping, ejector exhaust stacks. (Below) The radial, air-cooled power plant, which is com plementary to the in-line type, looks far more orthodox but makes use of an auxiliary cooling fan, presumably mounted on the spinner. of engineering, but the designer and engineer have a unique opportunity to give vent to their initiative and imagina tion, as the very nature of the work enables them to employ materials, and methods, which are prohibitive in any othet branch of internal combustion engineering. It is desired to emphasise that this country has pioneered the world in the development of the gas turbine for ait craft purposes up to the present time, and it is importani that we should ensure that there is no chance of our losing the lead in this respect. Some people are most concerned that we are in danger of doing so, and it is sincerely hoped that those in authority will see to it that the outstanding work that has been accomplished in this country to date is not lost and left for others to bring the initiative an<! imagination ot our technical brains to practical fruition, while our own effort falls away. Such was the case, notably, with the variable-pitch aii screw and the retractable undeicarriage, both of which were originated and tested-out in this country in practical form for years, but for which there was not enough vision and drive put behind their development to bring them to rapid realisation for everyday use. The jet-propelled, high-speed fighter is already with us, but at the same time it is equally important that we should keep our balance and sense of proportion in regard to gas turbine development generally. Whereas the possibilities of this prime mover are undoubtedly very great, and it will presently replace the conventional engine in a number ot different types of aircraft, the piston engine is by no means finished, and, at any rate for the longest-range aircrail, will hold the field, in my opinion, for at least ten years It is for this reason that we must ensure high priority on a logical new family of powerful, reliable, and economical piston engines, planned on a basis to make use of new developments and improved materials to the best possible advantage, designed in a realistic way, and built as com plete power plants.
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