I primarily like alternate history due to the possibilities it presents. I also like the ASB because you can alter the course of history with relatively small changes to technology.
My question is looking at the Rolls Royce Merlin with the difference in performance from the First to the last and then thinking about the potentials modern improvements could make. Now I am not looking at computer controlled anything. I am looking at the basic engine and what could be done to make it more reliable and powerful with little effort.
Merlin Engine is a 27 liter 12 cylinder engine with a 60 degree Vee and running a carburetor along with superchargers. Plural. as in a two speed supercharger.
I would like to point out that I am a huge fan of the Allison engines of the same era as they had more development potential from what I know.
The Basic Merlin engine could have done with the following from very early to improve performance and not be ASB.
1: Fuel Injection either into the supercharger or into the cylinders. Diesel injection was done at the time and fuel pumps and direct injection existed but was not used.
2: Better superchargers or a turbo supercharger setup.
3: Better Fuel ie higher octane rating regardless of how you get it.
4: Higher production numbers and higher quality machining to improve the end product.
I am fully aware that some other engines such as the Bristol Engines could be improved just as much if not more with similar levels of assistance.
On a seperate note if a Merlin Engine was built today using modern equipment just how much power do you think could be produced on good reliability. Obviously I am thinking this would be Billet Heads etc with higher compression and the like. If a Merlin can produce 2,000hp by 1945/6 what could be produced using a full computer CNC 5 axis machine etc.
My question is looking at the Rolls Royce Merlin with the difference in performance from the First to the last and then thinking about the potentials modern improvements could make. Now I am not looking at computer controlled anything. I am looking at the basic engine and what could be done to make it more reliable and powerful with little effort.
Merlin Engine is a 27 liter 12 cylinder engine with a 60 degree Vee and running a carburetor along with superchargers. Plural. as in a two speed supercharger.
I would like to point out that I am a huge fan of the Allison engines of the same era as they had more development potential from what I know.
The Basic Merlin engine could have done with the following from very early to improve performance and not be ASB.
1: Fuel Injection either into the supercharger or into the cylinders. Diesel injection was done at the time and fuel pumps and direct injection existed but was not used.
2: Better superchargers or a turbo supercharger setup.
3: Better Fuel ie higher octane rating regardless of how you get it.
4: Higher production numbers and higher quality machining to improve the end product.
I am fully aware that some other engines such as the Bristol Engines could be improved just as much if not more with similar levels of assistance.
On a seperate note if a Merlin Engine was built today using modern equipment just how much power do you think could be produced on good reliability. Obviously I am thinking this would be Billet Heads etc with higher compression and the like. If a Merlin can produce 2,000hp by 1945/6 what could be produced using a full computer CNC 5 axis machine etc.