The secret horsepower race (book)

[jurinko]

An awesome written book about aviation engines development during the WW2 - British, German, American and Italian.

https://www.calum-douglas.com/current-book-the-secret-horsepower-race/

 

After reading some 60% of the book, one must appreciate the effort of engineers to squeeze the power out of often pre-war designs by improving fuels, materials, bearing manufacturing technology, inventing new alloys and at the same time, plus coordinating their effort with aircraft manufacturers, aviation ministries, ministers for aircraft production and air force itself. Stellite, iso-octane, tetraethyl lead, sleeve valve, oil acid corrosion, chroming of the valve seats? Two-speed two-stage supercharger versus turbocharging? Bended wanes, direct injection, eye of the supercharger, platinum-iridium sparkplugs, lack of precious metals affecting the valve materials, which affected the possible manifold pressure, which affected the reliability and power, you name it.

Plenty of original records from high level engineers-ministries meetings, showing the level of coordination to get right engine for the right airplane in time in the air. Must read for all WW2 aviation buffs.