Bristol Phoenix
The Phoenix was an experimental version of the Bristol Aeroplane Company's Pegasus engine, adapted to run on the Diesel cycle. Only a few were built between 1928 and 1932, although samples fitted to a Westland Wapiti held the altitude record for diesel-powered aircraft at 27,453 ft (8,368 m) from 11 May 1934 until World War II.[1] The primary advantage of the Phoenix was better fuel efficiency at cruise, by up to 35%.
| Phoenix | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Diesel aircraft engine | 
| Manufacturer | Bristol Aeroplane Company | 
| First run | 1928 | 
| Major applications | Westland Wapiti | 
Variants
    
- Phoenix I: Diesel version of the Pegasus IF, 380 hp.
 - Phoenix IIM: Medium-supercharged diesel version of Pegasus IM, 470 hp.
 
Applications
    
    
Specifications (Phoenix I)
    
Data from Lumsden[2]
General characteristics
    
- Type: nine-cylinder air-cooled Diesel radial engine
 - Bore: 5.75 in (146 mm)
 - Stroke: 7.5 in (190 mm)
 - Displacement: 1,753 in³ (28.7 L)
 - Length: 43.75 in (1,111 mm)
 - Diameter: 55.25 in (1,403 mm)
 - Dry weight: 1,067 lb (484 kg)
 
Components
    
- Valvetrain: Overhead valve, two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder, pushrod-actuated.
 - Fuel type: Diesel
 - Cooling system: Air-cooled
 
Performance
    
- Power output: 380 hp (283 kW) at 2,000 rpm at sea level
 - Specific power: 0.22 hp/in³ (9.9 kW/L)
 - Compression ratio: 14:1
 - Power-to-weight ratio: 0.36 hp/lb (0.6 kW/kg)
 
References
    
    Notes
    
- Gunston 1989, p.32.
 - Lumsden 2003, p.114.
 
External links
    
    
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