By this, I refer to in-line engines. Obviously, their radials were incomparable, but throughout the war, the American aviation industry failed to develop a modern version of or replacement for the Allison V12. Why? I know that various upgrades were attempted, but the basic design, dating from the early 30’s, lacked the development potential of the Merlin. The twin Allison (V-3440?) was one attempt, but I seem to remember it wasn’t a success.
Obviously, Packard had the Merlin in production under license, so perhaps that was all they needed, but with the work put into the Allison, I’m surprised that no effective replacement was developed for wartime service.
Or was it and I have missed something somewhere?
Regards
Wombat
By: srpatterson - 5th March 2004 at 06:42
The big advantage of the Merlin over the Allison was the metalurgy developed by Rolls Royce.
When you look at the increases in horsepower during the war years it’s amazing what they were able to do with that engine. You need look no further that the Reno Air Races where Merlins run with 100″ of manifold pressure and there is not an Allison engine in sight. Of course the Merlins blow up like a time bomb at those power settings, but when they’re running it’s an amazing amount of horsepower for their weight.
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March 3, 2004 at 6:35 pm