Document Type: Publication (Historical Study). Purpose: Scholarly reference. Authority: Author Expertise.

Scope: An excellent technical history written by Bill Gunston, a former RAF pilot and flying instructor, and one of the top aviation writers in Great Britain. From the introduction: "When the first aviators sought engines to power their flying machines nearly a century ago, they did so in a world of rapid and exciting progress. This was a time of experiment and adventure, in which it soon became clear that what was needed was an engine that could give ample power but within reasonable limits of weight and bulk. That has been the criterion ever since, and still is.

Here expert aviation author Bill Gunston takes a thorough look at the history, development and application of these remarkable power plants, from those used by the Wright Brothers for their pioneering flights in the early 1900s right up to the small engines driving microlights today. He assesses what has led to the present state of piston aero engine design, as well as giving some thoughts on what might be to come.

Also included is a comprehensive review of all today's engines: air-cooled, liquid-cooled, units derived from basic automotive (car) designs, as well as some unconventional models. Whereas early engines, from the period 1890-1920, were generally massive and somewhat crude, by the 1950s the most powerful units had become pinnacles of mechanical engineering. Although still big, they were made like finely jewelled watches, built to keep on putting out tremendous power for many years. Then the gas turbine arrived, in the form of turbojets and turboprops, and the piston aero engine seemed to be obsolete. This is true (almost) of the biggest sizes. However, for general aviation the market for engines under 500 hp has never been larger, more diverse or more interesting."

Contents (from the introduction): "Introduction

SECTION I: HOW IT WORKS 1. Basic principles 2. Engine cycles 3. Engine design I 4. Engine design II

SECTION II: HOW ENGINES DEVELOPED 5. The dawn of powered flight 6. Between the World Wars 7. The big-engine peak 8. Piston engines today and tomorrow

Piston engine aircraft speed Appendix of abbreviations Bibliography Index"