Piaggio P.X
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1884 |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Aircraft engines |
The Piaggio P.X, also referred to as the Piaggio Stella P.X, was an Italian radial aircraft engine featuring nine cylinders, manufactured by Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A. Drawing upon its licensed production experience with Gnome et Rhône engines, this powerplant propelled several aircraft models throughout World War II, notably the IMAM Ro.37bis and the IMAM Ro.43, which saw extensive use by the Regia Aeronautica and the Regia Marina, respectively.
Design and development
In 1925, Piaggio secured a license from Gnome et Rhône to produce engines originally based on the Bristol Jupiter.[1] Capitalizing on this foundation, Piaggio engineered a series of related radial engines under the "Stella" designation, meaning star.[2] The project was overseen by engineer Renzo Spolti.[3] Initial models were identified by cylinder count, with the first nine-cylinder variant designated as the P.IX in 1933. Subsequent developments adopted Roman numerals sequentially, leading to the introduction of the P.X.[2]
The Stella P.X represented a nine-cylinder adaptation of the earlier P.VII.[4] It maintained the original Gnome-Rhône bore and stroke dimensions of 146 mm (5.7 in) and 165 mm (6.5 in), respectively, yet delivered considerably greater power compared to the analogous 9K.[3] Construction included a two-part aluminium-alloy crankcase, steel cylinder barrels, and aluminium-alloy cylinder heads. The engine was equipped with a Piaggio T2-80 updraught carburettor.[5] The base variant, designated R., featured reduction gearing, while the R.C. model incorporated a supercharger.[2]
This engine powered various Italian aircraft during World War II.[6] Among its notable applications was the IMAM Ro.43, which demonstrated significant operational performance during engagements such as the Battles of Cape Spartivento and Battle of Cape Matapan.[7]
Variants
- P.X R.
- Naturally aspirated with reduction gearing.
- P.X R.C.15
- Equipped with a supercharger and reduction gearing, rated for operation at 1,500 m (4,900 ft) altitude.
- P.X R.C.35
- Supercharged and geared, optimized for 3,500 m (11,500 ft) altitude performance.
Applications
- IMAM Ro.37bis
- IMAM Ro.43
- IMAM Ro.44
- Savoia-Marchetti S.73
- Savoia-Marchetti S.74
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.81
Specifications (R.C.35)
See also
Citations
- ↑ Gunston 1986, p. 125.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Angle 1939, p. 584.
- ↑ Wilkinson 1945, p. 60.
- ↑ Wilkinson 1945, p. 302.
- ↑ Green 1967, p. 111.
- ↑ Sadkovich 1994, p. 98.
Bibliography
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