Aviation technology progressed at a blindingly fast pace during the first half of the 20th century. Aircraft were asked to fly higher, fly faster, carry heavier loads, take off and land on shorter runways, fly greater distances, and consume less fuel with each new generation, and with perfect dependability. Pratt & Whitney's R-1340, or Wasp as it was known in the commercial marketplace, was a relatively large engine, displacing 1,344 cubic inches. Somewhat akin to the steam age, when triple-expansion engines the size of cathedrals ruled the waves, the R-4360 at one time represented the largest and most sophisticated of its breed. Nothing else in the late-1940s marketplace could boast what the R-4360 did·3,000 to 4,000 horsepower. By the end of the piston-engine era, Pratt & Whitney had placed into mass production the largest and most powerful engine ever built in mass quantities. In addition to owning a Pratt & Whitney R-4360, Graham White is the author of several books including R-2800: Pratt & Whitney's Dependable Masterpiece and Allied Aircraft Piston Engines of World War II. White uses a large collection of data on the R-4360 gathered from the National Archives & Records Administration in College Park, Maryland. Leaving no stone unturned, this book provides a detailed account of the inner workings of the R-4360. Also covered is the engine's development history, variations, and its military, commercial, and racing applications.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
IPMS/USA Journal, May/June 2006
"Graham White has written an engaging, elucidating and entertaining history of Pratt & Whitney's last significant radial piston aero engine, the R-4360 Wasp Major. This book is everything one could hope for in a design history, and those of us with a bent toward the nuts and bolts of technology history will welcome it."
"Graham White has written an engaging, elucidating and entertaining history of Pratt & Whitney's last significant radial piston aero engine, the R-4360 Wasp Major. This book is everything one could hope for in a design history, and those of us with a bent toward the nuts and bolts of technology history will welcome it."
Internet Modeler, May 2006, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl
"In addition to the well written text, this book is extensively illustrated and filled with photographs. However, following the structure of the text, these illustrations beautifully complement the written word and make this book into an excellent reference."
"In addition to the well written text, this book is extensively illustrated and filled with photographs. However, following the structure of the text, these illustrations beautifully complement the written word and make this book into an excellent reference."
Hyperscale, May 2006, reviewed by Phil Brandt
"Graham White’s remarkable work has rendered a valuable service to the study and knowledge of these important adjuncts of aircraft history; I highly recommend it."
"Graham White’s remarkable work has rendered a valuable service to the study and knowledge of these important adjuncts of aircraft history; I highly recommend it."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Labor of Love,
By Jack Frost (MO) - See all my reviews
This review is from: R-4360: Pratt & Whitney's Major Miracle (Hardcover)
Reading this excellent book makes it apparent that Mr. White has a great interest in aircraft engines, especially the R-4360. He covers the subject well although I would have liked a little more insight into the development and manufacturing process (and maybe a little less on landing gear design). I flew about 800 hours behind these engines on the KC-97 and we referred to them simply as the "Corncob", a term of endearance from a pilot's viewpoint, but not so from his observation. It was a finely tuned machine and stood up well to the punishment we gave them in SAC Air Refueling operations. The illustrations are profuse, large and well detailed and the printing and paper content are excellent. If your intrest is radial aircraft engines, the book is a "must read".
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Radial engine lover's dream,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: R-4360: Pratt & Whitney's Major Miracle (Hardcover)
I have been facinated with the R-4360 since I built a B-36 model while in grade school. I did get to see and hear one C-124 depart Lajes AB, Azores while in the USAF. What a sound!
This book has a wealth of photos, detailed diagrams and data concerning the applications of the various models of the 4360 and some info on the R-2800 and the R-3350. There are great photos of planes involved, both exterior and interior. By the time I went on active duty, the turboprops had taken over and the sweet rumble of the big radials had been replaced by the awful scream of the kerosene burners. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who loves the round engines. Michael Reid, DVM
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Graham White does it again!,
By
This review is from: R-4360: Pratt & Whitney's Major Miracle (Hardcover)
After enjoying Graham White's prodigious tome on the P&W R-2800, I was pleased to see another volume released, this time on the R-4360. Mr. White must have access to a tremendous archive of information, because both these books provide a level of detail that can satisfy the most discerning aviation buff. He is also able to describe the various engine systems in a way that does not overwhelm the reader with technical minutiae, something most engineers would be incapable of doing.
About the only drawback of these books is their sheer weight. I can only read them for 20 minutes or so before my arms need a rest. I would also have liked to see a chapter or two on Mr. White's efforts at setting up these engines as running displays for air shows. Although not directly related to the history of the engine, to read about actually running one of these on a transport trailer would add a note of current realism to the picture.
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