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From: ths@lanl-a.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Radial Engines
Message-ID: <9790@lanl-a.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 2-Jul-84 15:22:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: lanl-a.9790
Posted: Mon Jul  2 15:22:43 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 6-Jul-84 00:59:16 EDT
Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Lines: 15


The early "radial" engines in WWI did indeed rotate about the
crankshaft. Probably the most notable was the LeRohne Rotary.
I don't recall off-hand, the power output but I would guess it was
about 110 hp. These engines powered many of the early French
fighters. The torque on these engines was impressive as you can
imagine. One other interesting note....there was no throttle
in many of the configurations. You "blipped" the mag switch
on and off to vary the power  during taxi and landing phase.
All other flying was "all-out".

Next time you get a chance to see Earl Flynn in "Dawn Patrol"
don't miss it. You can see all aspects of the rotary in action
plus get some idea as to the amount of dirt and castor oil that
smeared over the pilot during flight.