British Jet Engine For Motor Vehicles

Grey River Argus, 10 May 1948, Page 7

British Jet Engine For Motor Vehicles

LONDON, May 3. The surprise in the British Industries Fair, which opens /to-morrow will be a new and revolutionary power unit, which can be run on any kind of fuel. It is the world’s first gas turbine engine for road vehicles which has now been completed in Britain. The first hint that this country was on the eve of an important industrial devolpment was given eight days ago by the Minister of Supply. The power units will bridge the gap between the internal combustion engine and the atomic age. The announcement that a prototype had been built was as dramatic as it was unexpected. The makers are the Government-con-trolled Power Jet Research and Development Company. The prototype is a sft engine weighing 2501 b, which, can be lifted to any car. It will take two or three years for development and it will thn become available for quantity production. The British press hails the new engine as the forerunner of the gearless, clutchless and radiatorless car of the future, and it is said to be 15 years ahead of its time. The prototype is expected to develop 160 brake horsepower, which is equal to the output of a 35 horepower piston engine. It will run on a variety of fuels —diesel oil, paraflin, petrol, or “even old candle ends’’. Complicated parts, such as valves, pistons, crankshafts, connecting rods and carburettors are eliminated. The inventors of the engine are Messrs R. H.. Barr, G. White’ and H. Leach, who were all formerly associated with the jet engine inventor, Air Commodore Whittle.