Radial Aircraft Engines and Their Functionality

While reciprocating engines serve as the original powerplants of aviation, they still find implementation and use on countless light, single-engine aircraft to this day. Throughout the history of reciprocating engines, many types have come about to tackle the issues of their predecessors. The radial engine is one example, that of which surpassed the rotary engine during World War II with its higher power output and other capabilities. While many aircraft have since moved on to using newer jet engines, radial engines are still present on a number of models. In this blog, we will discuss the functionality of the radial engine, allowing you to better understand their use and abilities.

A radial engine is a type of internal combustion engine, meaning that mixtures of fuel and air are ignited within the assembly to create the power and force necessary for flight. For radial engines in particular, the piston-cylinder arrangement typically found on all reciprocating engines is used. Their difference, however, is the fact that the pistons oscillate in an outward direction. With such an arrangement of the pistons and cylinders, radial engines feature a star shape which gives them the nickname “star engine.”

Due to the construction and design of the radial aircraft engine, such apparatuses are able to produce enough power to facilitate easy take-off procedures. The pistons are a crucial aspect of the radial engine, allowing for the expanding force of gases to be transformed into mechanical power that rotates the crankshaft through the connecting rod. With the crankshaft, the reciprocating motion is turned into rotational motion, ensuring that the propeller assembly is driven for achieving flight. Meanwhile, the connecting rod simply acts as a lever arm as motion is transferred between the piston and crankshaft.

In order to amply manage the intake of fresh air and fuel as well as the expulsion of spent fuel-and-air mixtures, inlet and outlet valves are used. Spark plugs are also important for proper functionality, serving to ignite the fuel-and-air mixture by delivering an electric current to the combustion chamber. As pistons act out their processes and create the necessary power for flight, the articulating rod assembly keeps everything together as a single assembly.

Radial engines operate on the standard 4-stroke cycle, ensuring that intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes are efficiently carried out. Each cylinder will also fire off in order, allowing for a cycle of operations to be carried out with uniformity. Unlike some other engine types, radial engines feature five cylinders on their assembly. This odd number of cylinders is important for ensuring smooth and consistent power, due to the fact that the firing order follows a cycle of every other piston. With an even amount of pistons, equal timing for the firing cycle would not be possible.

As compared to other types of reciprocating engines, radial engines exhibit smoother operations, easier maintenance, and the benefit of being cheaper in terms of part procurement. Nevertheless, they do face increased drag as a result of their exposed cylinders, decreased visibility due to the size of the engine assembly, and more difficulty in installation. With this in mind, many aircraft that demand increased capabilities will typically take advantage of turboprop engines and other jet engine types.

NSN Parts Now is an online distributor of aircraft parts, providing customers access to a plethora of items that have been sourced from leading global manufacturers that we trust. With our purchasing power and market expertise, we save customers time and money on all of their purchases for their benefit. Additionally, we also provide expedited shipping on all domestic and international orders through the use of our supply chain network stretching across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Begin the procurement process today and see how NSN Parts Now can serve as your strategic sourcing partner for all your needs.


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September 13, 2022

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