The Curtiss-Wright Rotating Combustion Engines Today 640793
The paper discusses progress of the Curtiss-Wright Rotating Combustion (RC) Engine series. Results, since 1958, include: over 20,000 test hours, dynamometer evaluation of one to four rotor engines covering a displacement range of 445/1, achievement of over 150 hp and 160 bmep from the basic 60 cu in. size, successful operation with JP-4 fuel, air cooling at high performance levels, elimination of oil from the fuel, completion of 1500 hr cyclic endurance test, and evaluation of a two-rotor vehicular engine. History, data, and background are presented.
Engine size, weight, simplicity, and output smoothness are shown to be superior to reciprocating engines. It is concluded that the liquid cooled, gasoline fueled RC engine is ready for application; the potential of advanced versions is also discussed.
