Retired automotive engineer didn't have carburetor for Jacobs 7 cyl radial. So he adapts a V8 ECM and fabs fuel injector system. Damn thing starts like a car! Turn the key and go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rf-lRbxUPc

That's a smart dude right there !!!

Yes he is. That company lost a brilliant employee when he retired. Can you imagine if you could modernize a Pratt Whitney 4360 Wasp Major with sequential port electronic fuel injection and electronic ignition? It would virtually eliminate the big issues with these engines like fouled plugs and engine fires related to the fuel management system.

quote:

Originally posted by Bear Cat:
That's a smart dude right there !!!

Once there is a fully correct fuel injection and ECM, I wonder if they would be a viable modification to existing "working" systems.

Maybe not, with all the testing required to get the modification certified.

I don't see why not. Basically you are taking an engine that has been type certified for over 70 years and modifying the fuel and ignition systems. So those systems would have to be tested and certified. It could be done. The mechanical parts wouldn't change. That would save time and money. There would have to be an economic reward to do it though.

There was talk of bringing back big piston engines a number of years ago because of their relative fuel efficiency compared to turbines for small regional airlines. I would surmise they spew a lot less CO2 than fuel guzzling jets so may garner some attention today. Electronic fuel and ignition management would make the radials as easy to operate as a car. Just as in the video. Turn the key and go. Better materials for bearings, cylinder liners, seals, and piston rings would extend overhaul time periods. The computer takes the place of the flight engineer and would also greatly ease the pilot workload.

The Republic "Rainbow" was able to achieve 400 mph cruise with 4 PW engines back-in-the-day. That would be very competitive with turboprops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTy0zyfP6KI

quote:

Originally posted by TCLouis:
Once there is a fully correct fuel injection and ECM, I wonder if they would be a viable modification to existing "working" systems.

Maybe not, with all the testing required to get the modification certified.