Gnome-Rhône 18L

The Gnome et Rhône 18L was a French-designed twin-row 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine. The 18L was a large step up in terms of displacement, power and number of cylinders. The majority of Gnome-Rhone engines were either 7, 9 or 14 cylinders. The engine proved not to be a success, and it was dropped in 1939 due to a poor power-to-weight ratio. The American and British 18-cylinder engines proved lighter, smaller and generally more reliable.

Specifications (Gnome Rhone 18L)

General characteristics

• Type: 18-cylinder twin-row air-cooled radial engine
• Bore: 146 mm (5.75 in)
• Stroke: 180 mm (7.09 in)
• Displacement: (3,308 cu in)
• Height: 1,400 mm (55.12 in)
• Dry weight: 736 kg (1,622 lbs)

Components

• Valvetrain: 1 inlet and 1 exhaust valve per cylinder
• Supercharger: Yes
• Fuel system: 1 Bronzania Carburetor
• Fuel type: 87 octane
• Cooling system: air

Performance

• Power output: 1,300 hp at 2,150 RPM
• Compression ratio: 6.10:1
• Power-to-weight ratio: 0.8 lb/hp at cruise speed

See also

• Tumansky M-90

References

• Gunston, Bill. (1986). World Encyclopaedia of Aero Engines. Patrick Stephens: Wellingborough. p.84
• http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Duxford/fraero2.htm