| Condor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Rolls-Royce Condor III on display at the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust, Derby | |
| Type | Piston V-12 |
| Manufacturer | Rolls-Royce Limited |
| First run | 1918 |
| Number built | 327 |
| Developed from | Rolls-Royce Eagle |
The Rolls-Royce Condor aircraft piston engine is a larger version of the Rolls-Royce Eagle developing up to 675 horsepower (503 kilowatts). The engine first ran in 1918 and a total of 327 engines were recorded as being built. [1]
Note: [2]
In 1932 the Air Ministry initiated a conversion of the Condor petrol engine to the compression ignition system. The conversion was developed at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, with the co-operation of Rolls-Royce Ltd. Engine layout, bore, and stroke remained the same as for the petrol version; the compression ratio increased to 12.5:1. The more robust construction required to withstand the increased stresses increased the engine weight to 1,504 pounds (682 kg). At its maximum 2,000 rpm the engine developed 500 hp (373 kW), giving a power/weight ratio of 0.33 hp/lb. [3]
The engine passed the 50-hour civil type test for compression ignition engines, being only the second British engine to do so. The only previous engine to pass this test was the much larger Beardmore Tornado fitted to the R101 airship. The diesel Condor was experimentally flown in a Hawker Horsley to explore the practical operation of a diesel engine in flight.
The Condor was used in the following aircraft:
Data fromLumsden [4]
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