Shortround6
Major General
Tomo is correct. The Merlin fell into a most useful size/catagory of engine. The only other large piston engine engine to be made in larger numbers was the P & W R-1830.
The Allison, Merlin, DB 600/1 and Jumo 211 all being similar in size, weight and power in the late 30s.
Most radial engine makers were trying for 1000-1300hp at the time. Engines like the R-2600 and R-2800 were sort of the exception.
The British were in a bit of bind, They had a bunch of 800-1000hp engines which were too small to do the jobs wanted (even in 1938-39) and the "super" engines (1800-2000hp) were too far in the future. Only other medium engine was the Hercules and a discreet veil will be pulled over it's suitability for mass production in the late 30s, as well as the suitability of the 3 super engines.
I would also note that the Merlin was being made by the hundreds when the Allison was only a bit better than tool room samples.
14 engines delivered in 1938 and 46 in 1939. They did build 1175 in 1940.
The Allison, Merlin, DB 600/1 and Jumo 211 all being similar in size, weight and power in the late 30s.
Most radial engine makers were trying for 1000-1300hp at the time. Engines like the R-2600 and R-2800 were sort of the exception.
The British were in a bit of bind, They had a bunch of 800-1000hp engines which were too small to do the jobs wanted (even in 1938-39) and the "super" engines (1800-2000hp) were too far in the future. Only other medium engine was the Hercules and a discreet veil will be pulled over it's suitability for mass production in the late 30s, as well as the suitability of the 3 super engines.
I would also note that the Merlin was being made by the hundreds when the Allison was only a bit better than tool room samples.
14 engines delivered in 1938 and 46 in 1939. They did build 1175 in 1940.