WIX Archives

Re: Inverted engines...

Posted by bdk on Wed Jan 16, 2002 08:17:35 PM

In reply top A seemingly simple powerplant question posted by Scott WRG Editor on Wed Jan 16, 2002 06:07:14 PM

I have no idea, but why do the Brits drive on the left side of the road?

: "Why is the engine in the Me 109 inverted?"

My guesses are:

1. Better pilot visibility (on single engined aircraft).
2. More favorable fuselage cross section at the wing to fuselage interface- wider at the bottom makes for a more natural wing fillet (on single engined aircraft).
3. Exhaust is kept further from the canopy (on single engined aircraft).
4. Updraft carburetors are less fire prone (predating the popularity of fuel injection and superchargers in German engine designs).
5. The engine won't tip over if you set it on the tarmac...
6. Easier to remove and install from under the engine mount.
7. More propeller ground clearance (from the direct drive days).
8. Convention from the pre-WW2 aircooled inline inverted engine days.

I favor numbers 4, 7, and 8 as most likely...

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