enginehistory.org

ckuhns · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 36

I am a bit confused about the R-2180 engines.A bit of research on the internet has left me with the impression that there were two versions of this powerplant. The early one was used in the pre war Douglass DC-4E. Post war a Sabb Scanbia list a r-2180-E1 as its powerplant.One source states that this post war engine was 1/2 of a r-4360.
Is this correct? Does anyone have any information that they could add? Thanks Carl

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gwhite · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 58

That's correct - there were two distinctly different 2180s. The pre war one was a conventional 14 cylinder two row. The post war "E" series was new design. Although it appears to be 1/2 a 4360, in fact there were some significant changes. For instance the exhaust and intake ports were reversed. On the 2180 (post war) the exhaust exited through the top of the cylinder and the intake came in from the side - opposite to a 4360. The 2180 used up draft induction as well. However, looking at the 2180 it is evident that its design was influenced by the 4360 but to say it was 1/2 a 4360 is not true.

ckuhns · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 36

Graham, Thanks so much for the informative reply.I wonder if there are any examples of either type R-1280 engine still in existance? Carl

gwhite · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 58

I have only seen one "E" series (post war) 2180 and that one is located in the P&W museum.