The SNECMA 14R was a 14-cylinder two-row air-cooled radial engine developed in France just prior to the start of World War II from the
Gnome-Rhône 14N. The 14N
radial engine
The radial engine is a reciprocating type internal combustion engine configuration in which the cylinders "radiate" outward from a central crankcase like the spokes of a wheel. It resembles a stylized star when viewed from the front, and is ca ...
was itself an improved version of the popular pre-war
Gnome-Rhône 14K ''Mistral Major'' series; designed and manufactured by
Gnome et Rhône
Gnome et Rhône was a major French aircraft engine manufacturer. Between 1914 and 1918 they produced 25,000 of their 9-cylinder Delta and Le Rhône 110 hp (81 kW) rotary designs, while another 75,000 were produced by various licen ...
, a major French
aircraft engine
An aircraft engine, often referred to as an aero engine, is the power component of an aircraft propulsion system. Most aircraft engines are either piston engines or gas turbines, although a few have been rocket powered and in recent years many ...
manufacturer whose origins pre-date the
First World War
World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, the United States, and the Ottoman Empire, with fightin ...
.
The improved 14R was initially known as the Gnome-Rhône 14P and then the Gnome-Rhône 14R. There were several improvements such as the introduction of a longer crankshaft and crankcase with a centre bearing, an increase in cylinder capacity, and a two-speed compressor. These changes allowed the engine to deliver 1,400hp at take-off and 1,300hp at 1,500m (1st gear) and 1200hp at 4000m (2nd gear). This came at the cost of a much increased total weight. It was expected that further development, such as the introduction of higher grade fuels, would lead to a power output of 1,660hp at low altitude.
With the Fall of France, engine development was stopped under the occupation. After the war, development recommenced; however production of this engine after 1945 was transferred to the newly formed
SNECMA and the engine was renamed the SNECMA 14R.
Variants
;14R-04:Improved higher performance using 92 Octane fuel. 14N with 2-speed supercharge (6.5:1 and 9:1), LH rotation, for take-off.
;14R-05:RH rotation version of 14R-4.
;14R-08:RPM increased from 2,400 to 2,600 improving power output. LH rotation.
;14R-09:RH rotation version of 14R-08
;14R-24:LH rotation, .
;14R-25:RH rotation version of 14R-24.
;14R-26:LH rotation, .
;14R-27:RH rotation version of 14R-26.
;14R-28:LH rotation, .
;14R-29:RH rotation version of 14R-28.
;14R-32:LH rotation
;14R-100:
;14R-200:LH rotation
;14R-201:RH rotation
;14R-210:
;28T-1:28 cylinder, double 14R-24 engines placed back-to-back with co-axial contra-rotating propeller shafts, direct fuel injection, 2-speed supercharger, displacement, delivering for take-off using 100/130 octane fuel.
Specifications (14R-04)
See also
References
{{Snecma aeroengines
1930s aircraft piston engines
Aircraft air-cooled radial piston engines
14R
14R