DEVELOPMENT OF PISTON AERO ENGINES (2ND EDITION)

Since the first aviators took to the skies almost a century ago, the optimum aircraft engine has been one which supplies ample power without undue weight or bulk.

In this classic title, expert aviation author Bill Gunston takes a thorough look at the history, development and application of piston aero engines, from those used by the Wright Brothers for their pioneering flights in the early 1900s right up to the small engines fitted to microlights today. He assesses the evolution of piston aero engine design, and shares his ideas on what the future might hold. Also included is a comprehensive review of today's engines: air-cooled, liquid-cooled, units derived from basic automotive (car) designs, as well as some unconventional models. This fully updated second edition includes details of new families of engines currently in development.

Whereas early engines, in the period 1890-1920, were generally massive and somewhat crude, by the 1950s the most powerful units had become pinnacles of mechanical engineering. Although still big, they were made like finely jewelled watches, built to keep putting out tremendous power for many years. Then the gas turbine arrived, in the form of turbojets and turboprops, and the piston aero engine seemed to be obsolete. However, for general aviation the market for engines under 500 hp has never been larger, more diverse or more interesting.

Bill Gunston OBE, FRAeS, is a former RAF pilot and flying instructor. He is arguably Britain's best-known aviation writer, with over 380 books published during his fifty-year career. He lives in Surrey.