| A40 | |
|---|---|
 Preserved Continental A40-5 (dual magneto, two spark plugs per cylinder) | |
| Type | Piston aero-engine |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Teledyne Continental Motors |
| First run | 1931 |
| Major applications | |
The Continental A40 engine is a carbureted four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft engine that was developed especially for use in light aircraft by Continental Motors. It was produced between 1931 and 1941. [1] [2] [3]
The 37 hp (28 kW) A40 was introduced in the depths of the Great Depression. At the time there were a number of small engines available but all suffered from either high cost, complexity, or low reliability. The A-40 addressed all those shortcomings and was instrumental in the production of light aircraft in the difficult economic constraints of the period. The A-40-4 introduced an increase in power to 40 hp (30 kW). The engine later inspired the A-50 and subsequent engines. [1] [2] [4]
The A40 featured single ignition until the A-40-5 version, which introduced dual ignition. All engines in this family have a 5.2:1 compression ratio and were designed to run on fuel with a minimum octane rating of 73. [2] [3]
The entire family of engines had its certification terminated on 1 November 1941. Engines produced before that date are still certified, but none can be produced after that date. [2] [3]
Data fromType Certificate Data Sheet 72, [2] Jane's 1938 [10]
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