Development of Piston Aero Engines [Paperback]

Bill Gunston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2006

When the first aviators sought engines to power their flying machines nearly a century ago, they did so in a world of rapid and exciting progress. This was a time of experiment and adventure, in which it soon became clear that what was needed was an engine that could give ample power but within reasonable limits of weight and bulk. That has been the criterion ever since, and still is. Here, expert aviation author Bill Gunston takes a thorough look at the history, development and application of these remarkable power plants, 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 what has led to the present state of piston aero engine design, as well as giving some thoughts on what the future might hold. Also included is a comprehensive review of all 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 being developed at the present time, as well as suggestions as to what the future might hold.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill Gunston OBE is a former RAF pilot and the prolific author of more than 350 published books on aspects of aviation. He is among the top ten non-fiction writers in the UK today. He lives in Surrey, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Haynes Publishing; 2 edition (November 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852606193
• ISBN-13: 978-1852606190
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Astronomy & Space Science > Aeronautics & Astronautics

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE DEVELOPMENT OF PISTON AERO ENGINES, January 9, 2007

By 

Gilbert R. Schwartz (Jefferson City, MO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Development of Piston Aero Engines (Paperback)

An excellent, in depth, study of piston aero engines. If you think you know piston engines, read this study. It'll show you how much you don't know, in detail. Well put together, from the earliest to current engines, including the no longer used hyper engines.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Read, March 1, 2008

By 

S. OCALLAGHAN (Wellington, New Zealand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Development of Piston Aero Engines (Paperback)

Another winner from the prolific Bill Gunston. This compact volume is packed with info for the piston aero engine enthusiast. The black and white production is superb, with excellent pictures and/or diagrams on almost every page. Only wish would be a hardback version!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the enthusiast, February 18, 2007

By 

Lars A. Solberg "Larry" (Stavern Norway) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Development of Piston Aero Engines (Paperback)

A highly interesting book on the topic of huge aeroplane engines. Just the right amount of techical language, but very readable as well. He is just a bit cheap on info of the most famous piston engine of all, the Merlin and Rolls-Royce as a company in this field. All in all, however, an entertaining book.