The Design and Development of the Twin‐Centaurus Power‐Plant for the Bristol Brabazon

Abstract

The adaptation of eight ‘Centaurus’ engines, grouped in pairs, to drive airscrews presenting only four disks to the air stream in the Bristol ‘Brabazon’ is described, including their submersion within the wing thickness, and special cooling arrangements. The reasons chosen for the lay‐out of the power plant are given. Description of the design of the dual‐reduction gear includes the primary and auxiliary drives, freewheels, and propeller shafts. The operating system of the propellers is briefly reviewed. The plant used and programme for testing, including fire precautions and detection and an actual engine fire test, are described.

Citation

(1951), "The Design and Development of the Twin‐Centaurus Power‐Plant for the Bristol Brabazon", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 124-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb032028