Paper 8: Curtiss-Wright's Rotating Combustion Engine—Compact,Lightweight Power

Abstract

The present status of the ‘Rotating Combustion’ (RC) engine programme at Curtiss-Wright is presented with particular emphasis on high specific output air and liquid cooled models. Related developments which led to present configurations of these Wankel-type engines are briefly discussed and likely directions for the future are mentioned.

This prior work included cumulative test time of 40 000 hours on one- to four-rotor engines covering a displacement range of 445/1; the development of durable, efficient components; achievement of over 150 hp and 160 b.m.e.p. from the basic 60-in³ size petrol engine; development of twin rotor heavy fuel aircraft and military vehicle engines; and field testing in automobiles, trucks, boats, and generating sets. History, data, and background leading to current models are developed to show that today's RC engine offers a new power plant approaching the size, weight, and smoothness of the gas turbine at reciprocating engine fuel economy and cost.