RADIAL VERSUS IN-LINE

One of the disputes that peaked in World War Two was a notably powerful one: which piston engine configuration was superior — radial or in-line?

BRIEFING FILE

Under the skin of aviation technology and tactics

A perennial argument in aviation technology pits the simplicity, robustness and reliability of the radial piston engine — advantages offset by the large frontal area and drag — against the more streamlined in-line piston engine, which itself suffered from the extra weight and vulnerability of its liquid cooling system. Some non-fighter in-line engines were of course air-cooled, generally the lower-power types; notable examples were the Fieseler Storch’s Argus As 10 inverted V8, a number of US Ranger engines and the widely used de Havilland units.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below