The Vega had a 4.92 in (125 mm) bore and a 4.53 in (115 mm) stroke. The 42-cylinder engine displaced 3,617 cu in (59.3 L) and had a compression ratio of 6.5. The Vega was 42.1 in (1.07 m) in diameter and 59.8 in (1.52 m) long. The French Air Ministry was very enthusiastic about the Vega and paid for its development and the construction of two prototypes. The first Vega was known as the 42A, and the engine was first run in 1938. The 42A produced 2,300 hp (1,715 kW) at 3,000 rpm and 3,000 hp (2,237 kW) at 3,500 rpm. The engine weighed 2,756 lb (1,250 kg). Reportedly, two examples were built as well as a full-scale model. It is not clear how much testing was undertaken, but some sources indicate the engine was flown 100 hours in a test bed during 1939. Unfortunately, details of the engine's testing and the aircraft in which it was fitted have not been found.
Variants
Vega 42A Initial version of the engine first run in 1938, rated 1,700 kW (2,300 hp) at 3,000 rpm. Two examples and a full-scale mock-up are reported to have been built.
[1] Vega 42B An improved variant, under development in 1940. Completed and unfinished engines were hidden from invading German forces, in the
Pyrenees.
[1] Vega 42D An enlarged capacity version which became the Vesta 42.
[1] Vega 42E Post
WWII development rated at 2,100 kW (2,800 hp) for take-off. Vesta 42 An enlarged Vega, developed from 1942, with similar configuration, but 158 mm (6.22 in) bore, 145 mm (5.71 in) stroke and 119.4 l (7,290 cu in) displacement, rated at 3,700 kW (5,000 hp).
[1][3]
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