BRITISH AERO ENGINES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 19154, 9 April 1932, Page 12

BRITISH AERO ENGINES

SUCCESS OF DESIGNERS’ WORK GENERAL-PURPOSE AIRCRAFT (From our Own Correspondent.) LONDON. MARCH 1. “Pegasus” is the name selected for a new and important range of powerful aero engines built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, whose “Jupiter” aircooled radial motors have secured a world reputation, no other aero engine being employed so widely in all parts of the world. The new “Pegasus” series contains five engines, each designed for use in certain specific types of aircraft and each obtainable with different ratios in the gear linking the engine with the airscrew. Thus the “Pegasus” Series 11-5.2 is a supercharged motor giving maximum power at a height of 11,000 feet, and with an airscrew gear ratio of .655 to 1; the Series 11-5.3 is exactly similar but the gear ratio is .5 to 1. This particular “high duty” motor is intended for installation in “general purpose” military aircraft used for high altitude work or in swift I mail and passenger carriers which operate on commercial routes at heights of 10,000 feet or more above the earth. It develops up to 635 h.p. at maximum speed. Next is the Seriesl-M 2 and I-M. 3, designed for a rated altitude of 4.500 feet and developing up to a maximum of 615 h.p., engine suitable for big flying boats and heavy commercial and military aircraft requiring plenty of “take-off'' power and operating generally at moderate heights. The : Series 11-L.2 and 11-L.3 engines pro- | duce up to 635 h.p. and are rated to j 1.500 feet; they are recommended for i use in commercial aircraft and in j “general purpose” military machines ! in the East, where high performance 1 at great heights is not usually required. ; Craft of the “giant air liner” class j were considered in the design of the ISeries 11-U.2 and 11-U.3; they deliver I up to 630 h.p. and run comparatively | slowly in normal cruising flight. Final- ' ly, the 590 h.p. Series I-F.2 and I-F.3 i are fitted with an extremely simple fuel induction system and are intended : for use in commercial aircraft where j moderate performance at great heights will suffice. These facts reveal in no uncertain way the complexity of the task before |an engine builder who wishes to provide power units suitable for use In i all types of aeroplanes. They show, ] too, the thoroughness with which the ! British designer tackles the job.