RR 1915 Eagle is air cooled

I know its Wiki but it seems that originally RR was asked to develop an air cooled engine and only went ahead on condition it would be water cooled.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Eagle

At the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, the Royal Aircraft Factory asked Rolls-Royce to develop a new 200 hp air-cooled engine. Despite initial reluctance they agreed on condition that it be cooled by water rather than air, as this was the company's area of expertise.

What effects on RR engine development would occur if RR had successfully developed an air cooled engine of the required power at this time?
 
It would fail, probably, as all aircooled radials of that power level at that time, failed.
Even the water cooled radials, like Salmson built, had issues with that power level

The first really reliable aircooled 200HP engine was the Lawrance J-1. That company was later bought by Wright and developed into the J-5 Whirlwind, that was used in Lindbergh's flight as well as other record setting long distance flights
 
If they can get it to work,the Royal Navy gets much better naval reconnaissance.Possibly allowing for another major fleet engagement.
 
It was the same people who ordered the ABC Dragonfly engine into production and established several factories for the engine that was to power the RAF in 1919. In hindsight, I would say they lacked foresight.
Had R-R developed a successful air-cooled Eagle of 200hp., on the government's shilling, they would then remark that they could develop another, more powerful engine, with water-cooling, and life goes on.
 
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