The Forgotten Giant: A Deep Dive into the Allison V-3420 Engine

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The Allison V-3420 was a WWII-era, U.S.-made engine that combined two V-1710s, creating a 24-cylinder, liquid-cooled W engine. Despite its powerful 2,600-3,000 horsepower, it faced competition from more successful engines like the Rolls-Royce Merlin. Intended for use in heavy bomber aircraft, its delay led to a missed opportunity as the B-29, its primary host, opted for the R-3350. The V-3420 was used only in experimental aircraft, notably the Fisher P-75 and XB-39 Superfortress. Today, it's a forgotten piece of engineering history, a testament to technological exploration amidst the pressures of war.