Technology is constantly evolving and in the process offers you an alternative to traditional equipment and machines you have been using previously. The purpose of these technological advancements is to ensure an increase in efficiency and productivity at the same time. The same concept applies to the field of aeronautics as well. However, the quality of an aircraft and its performance depends entirely on its engine. There are some engines that still manage to impress regardless of the time that they were produced in. To learn more about such engines, read on.

 

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 Engine

The PT6 engine has managed to maintain its reign for over six decades. It is referred to as the gold standard in the world of turboprop engines. The engine functions like any modern jet engine, but instead of being driven by a jet fan or an exhaust gas, it is driven by a turbine section driving the propeller. It is perfectly capable of efficiently converting fuel into thrust to climb to 30,000ft or higher. The engine can provide a staggering output speed of 1700 to 2200 rpm.

 

Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine

The engine was designed in England during World War II. It’s no surprise that considering its immense power, it was integrated into dozens of planes during that era. It is a known fact that engines housing this beast were responsible in turning the tide of the war. The original engine was capable of generating 740 horsepower at ease at the operational ceiling of 12000 ft.

 

CFM56 Engine

The engine was the result of collaboration between GE and Snecma during the mid 1970s. It is considered as the most powerful engine of its time. The engine makes use of the immense air pressure to power its huge fans, meaning higher fuel efficiency and better performance. The engine was available in several variations. The engine produces a thrust of 18000 to 34000 lbf. Even though the variants share the same design, they differ in terms of specifications.

 

Wright Brothers Taylor Engine

It is considered as being the most noteworthy engines of all time. Surprisingly, the engine was handmade by the Wright brothers, the pioneers of modern aircraft, incorporating chain drives to spin its propellers. The engine could produce no more than 12 horsepower but it got the job done.

 

Lycoming O-320 Engine

As surprising as it may seem, it is no more than a small four-cylinder engine. Two cylinders have been allotted to each side. The big air cooled heads ensure that the cylinders do not heat up even when travelling over long distances. As simple as it may seem, even with a carbureted fuel system the Lycoming was perfectly capable of offering reliability and affordability for lighter planes. Each variant offers between 150 and 160 horsepower. Surprisingly, the engine’s performance is credited to its unique design that is arranged horizontally and with a configuration displacement of 320 cubic inches.

 

It is obvious that major innovations can only be made a step at a time. The same goes for aircraft engines which have evolved exponentially over the century. Not only are they durable but they deliver immense thrust, allowing you travel faster than the speed of sound itself.