alternatehistory.com

I've read claims that radial engines are more reliable than inline engines, and they were preferred as aircraft power plants by the United States Navy and German aircraft designer Kurt Tank. Chrysler also cited their reliability in its Multibank tank engine, although that was composed of several V8 engines mated to a common crankshaft. However, there have been cases of inline engines preserving under extreme conditions as well, with V8 Shelby and V12 Ferrari race cars even winning races with non-functioning cylinders.

Is there any reliability advantage in using one design over the other? Is it more about radial engines being more suitable for air cooling than inline designs?
Top