Highest Power/Weight ratio engine

[kitplane01]

I need an an engine that produces at least 1,200 hp (or much more). It needs to be reliable enough to put onto single engine fighters. It needs to be available in April 1944 or earlier.

Total weight is the weight of the engine plus fuel for four hours. I want the best horsepower / total_weight ratio.

Any nationality. Even Sweden or Brazil if they have the best engine.

Jets don't count.

Name that engine!

 

[SaparotRob]

I'll take a stab at it. Wright Cyclone. Was used on the Buffalo. Just use an engine built to spec and not one of the questionable ones I've read anecdotes about.

 

[kitplane01]

I'll take a stab at it. Wright Cyclone. Was used on the Buffalo. Just use an engine built to spec and not one of the questionable ones I've read anecdotes about.

That's the Wright R-1820-40 Cyclone 9 9-cyl air-cooled radial piston engine, 1,200 hp (890 kW). Weight 1,184 pounds. So 1.01 horsepower per pound without fuel.

 

[GregP]

The Wright R-1820 was making 1,350 hp in the FM-2 by earlier than 1944. Service date was September 1943, but the -65 came in at 1,315 pounds.

So ... 1,350 HP at 1,315 pounds. That is still about the same, at 1.03 HP per pound.

 

[Simon Thomas]

At what altitude do you want the power to be developed? Having the highest power at sea level is not always optimal.
What power do you want for the 4 hours cruise? BSFC min is usually at low rpm.
Liquid cooled engines probably also need to account for the weight of the cooling system.

 

[Shortround6]

a minimal cruise can burn 30 gallons (U.S.) an hour or about 180lbs and hour X 4 is 720lbs fuel leaving 1280lbs for the engine.
Don't forget oil.

Any period of higher engine power will shorten the endurance.

 

[GregP]

Best altitudes would be different for Naval and AF aircraft.

Most Naval engagements took place at lower altitudes, around the carrier and up to about 12 - 15,000 feet, at least in the PTO. I'd make best altitude for a Navy fighter around 18,000 feet with capability to get to 32,000 feet or so. They didn't have fuel to go for long escorts. They were for fleet attack and defense.

Most USAAF engagements took place higher, at least in the ETO. Somewhere around 20 - 35,000 feet. I'd make best altitude for a USAAF fighter around 23,000 feet with capability to get as high as possible.

Different missions. But, hey, that's just me and I wasn't in the decision making slot at the time.