Connie's Engines

[InsyleM]

Hello,
After reading some stuff online, talking to my dad (He was a Connie Engine mechanic in the USAF) and reading that other Connie Engine fire thread I'm confused.

What engines did Connie have?

Where they power recovery turnbines, naturally aisperated?
Turbo Charged?
Supercharged?

[torkermax]

Supercharged, naturally aspirated piston engines with a whole lotta boost, like in the 50 60 psi range.

[StringBean]

Supercharged, naturally aspirated

Ummm......can't be both.

peace,
the Bean

[torkermax]

OOps.

[gsterges]

Look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_...Duplex-Cyclone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbo-compound_engine



Guy

[skylab]

Well...FWIW...I quote from my Eastern Connie Manual: [I flew these for six months.]

"ENGINES installed on Constellation aircraft are of the Wright Cyclone C18 series. 1049 engines are equipped with jet stack installations. These jet stacks increase performance by virtue of adding jet thrust to propeller thrust, decreasing exhaust gas pressure, and augmenting velocity of cooling air flow.
Engines used on 1049C & 1049G aircraft are Wright turbo-cyclones. These engines are referred to as compound engines, since the power unit is basic reciprocating piston engine combined with gas turbines. Three Power Recovery Units incorporate turbines, each of which is driven by combined exhaust of 6 of the 18 cylinders. Turbine energy is geared back to engine through fluid coupling. Turbine speed is proportional to engine speed and requires no control.
All Constellation engines incorporate a low tension ignition system, direct fuel injection system, two-speed, single stage supercharger, and torque meter systems."

[munnst]

I flew in the MATZ Connie in 1998. This had five engines. Four on the wings and one inside strapped to the floor (she had no seats forward of the fuselage).
Didn't they call the Connie the best 3 engined airliner ever made.

[skylab]

Didn't they call the Connie the best 3 engined airliner ever made.

Well, like I wrote; I only flew them for six months, but in that time I/we never shut one down.

[NikeHerk67]

Well...FWIW...I quote from my Eastern Connie Manual: [I flew these for six months.]

"ENGINES installed on Constellation aircraft are of the Wright Cyclone C18 series. 1049 engines are equipped with jet stack installations. These jet stacks increase performance by virtue of adding jet thrust to propeller thrust, decreasing exhaust gas pressure, and augmenting velocity of cooling air flow.
Engines used on 1049C & 1049G aircraft are Wright turbo-cyclones. These engines are referred to as compound engines, since the power unit is basic reciprocating piston engine combined with gas turbines. Three Power Recovery Units incorporate turbines, each of which is driven by combined exhaust of 6 of the 18 cylinders. Turbine energy is geared back to engine through fluid coupling. Turbine speed is proportional to engine speed and requires no control.
All Constellation engines incorporate a low tension ignition system, direct fuel injection system, two-speed, single stage supercharger, and torque meter systems."

That’s some great information Skylab!!!

I had a 1989 Mopar Turbo II, Chrysler LeBaron GTS, that was set up pretty much the same except it was a 2.2L 4 cylinder.

Actually, it's nice to see you here. Hadn't seen you in here for awhile!

[rockinrobin]

... (she had no seats forward of the fuselage).

I certainly hope not! Seats "forward of the fuselage" would be dangling in space in front of the radar dish!