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Bristol Hercules
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Bristol Hercules
Bristol Hercules, 14-cylinder, sleeve-valve radial piston engine. Date: 1940s
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Media ID 21133395
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
Bristol Hercules Piston Radial
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of the 1940s aviation era, this photograph showcases the intricate beauty of the Bristol Hercules 14-cylinder sleeve-valve radial piston engine. The engine, a marvel of engineering, is seen in pristine condition, its metallic surfaces gleaming with a polished sheen. The Hercules engine, a product of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, was a game-changer in the world of aviation. Its radial design, with 14 cylinders arranged in a double row, allowed for a compact and lightweight construction, making it an ideal powerplant for both military and civilian aircraft during the mid-20th century. The sleeve-valve technology employed in the Hercules engine was a significant departure from the more common poppet valves used in most piston engines. Sleeve valves were simpler in design, requiring fewer parts and reducing the overall weight of the engine, making it more efficient and reliable. The engine's 14 cylinders were arranged in a circular pattern around the crankshaft, allowing for a more even distribution of power and reducing vibration. The radial design also facilitated easier access to the engine for maintenance, a crucial factor in the high-stress environments of military aviation. This photograph captures the essence of a bygone era in aviation history, where the intricacies of engineering and the thrill of flight were intertwined. The Bristol Hercules engine, with its innovative sleeve-valve design and radial configuration, remains a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers and aviators of the 1940s. This image, from the extensive archives of Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing us to appreciate the engineering marvels that shaped the history of flight.
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