Alfa Romeo 135
| Company type | Aircraft engine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace engineering |
| Founded | 1934 |
| Founder | Giustino Cattaneo |
| Defunct | 1944 |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Radial aircraft engines |
The Alfa Romeo 135 Tornado was an Italian-designed 18-cylinder radial engine created by Giustino Cattaneo between 1934 and 1935.[1]
Design and development
The Alfa 135 featured two rows of nine cylinders arranged in a radial configuration, mounted back-to-back and driven by a two-throw crankshaft. After Cattaneo's departure from Alfa Romeo in 1936, engineer Bossi and his team took over the engine’s advancement, though they were unable to resolve all issues. Upon its initial runs in 1938 and 1939, it ranked among the most powerful radial engines worldwide, delivering just under 1,492 kW (2,001 hp) when fueled with 100 octane gasoline. However, the commonly available fuel was 87 octane, limiting output to between 890–1,190 kW (1,200–1,600 hp).[2]
Despite its promising capabilities, the engine encountered significant reliability challenges. Although many mechanical faults were corrected during testing phases, persistent overheating and severe vibrations ultimately led to its rejection for operational use. Approximately 150 units were produced by 1944, yet none were installed in active aircraft.
Subsequent efforts led to the conceptual development of the Alfa Romeo 136, which remained unbuilt due to the intervention of the Armistice in September 1943.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Applications
- Cant Z.1018 "Leone"[3]
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.87 (four aircraft)
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 (center engine)
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.90 (single prototype)
- Cant Z 1014 (five prototypes)
- Focke-Wulf Fw 200 "Condor" (tested with 135 R.C.34 engines)[4]
- CRDA CANT Z.1018 "Leone" (136 R.C.25)
Variants
- 136 R.C.25
- An experimental version derived from the 135 model, likely never produced, delivering 1,765 kW (2,367 hp) at sea level and 1,360 kW (1,820 hp) at an altitude of 2,500 m (8,200 ft).
- 135 R.C.32
- Power output of 1,208.03 kW (1,620 hp).
- 135 R.C.34
- Rated at 1,194 kW (1,601 hp).
- 135 R.C.45
- 136 R.C.65
- Another experimental variant based on the 135, probably never manufactured, providing 1,618 kW (2,170 hp) for takeoff and 1,214 kW (1,628 hp) at an altitude of 6,500 m (21,300 ft).
- 136 R.C.100
- Designed to operate efficiently at an altitude of 10,000 m (33,000 ft).
Specifications (135 R.C.32)
See also
References
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