World War One provided a catalyst for rapid technological innovation. The pace of development of more powerful and efficient engines kept pace with th development of stronger air-frames and more potent weaponry. Powerplants follow four different schemes:
- Air Cooled Rotary Engines:
A circular configuration where the entire engine spins and the propellor is fixed to the engine body.
- Air Cooled Radial Engines:
A circular configuration where the engine is stationary and the propellor is turned by a crankshaft.
- In-line Water Cooled Engines:
A linear configuration where the pistons are in a single bank along the length of the engine.
- V-configured Water Cooled Engines:
A linear configuration where two banks of pistons are arranged left side and right.
