Terry and Tracey wrote:
>
> How does that work?
>
> Foxy
>
> > I think that's right, and if I remember correctly, it's because whole
> engine
> > rotated, rather than just the crankshaft, which in this case was secured
> to
> > the firewall. At least I think that's it--my head hurts just thinking
> about
> > it!
In the LeRohne rotary engine the cylinders are arranged radially around
the crank, the end of the crankshaft is bolted to the firewall and the
propeller is bolted to the end of the crankcase and the whole engine,
with the propeller attached rotates. Generates huge amounts of torgue
and spews castor oil in a fine mist all over everything. The engine was
not terribly reliable and had no throttle. To compensate the pilot
could selectively cut out cylinders from firing or turn the ignition off
and on (called blipping). The engine or ones just like it were used on
many Allied and German fighters.
Jerry Liles
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