Duesenberg Aircraft Engines: A Technical Description

An interesting bit of history of an aspect of the Duesenberg brothers' business of which very little seems toexist. Their automobiles are famous {justly so; think of a 320 hp SJ compared with a Model A at 40 hp}. The aero engines were ambitious but less successful. Essentially, they responded to the demand for aero enginesarising in 1917 from the start of WW 1, but were outclassed by the Liberty and the massive backing itreceived from the US government. Instead, they were assigned the Bugatti U-16 to develop and produce.Ettore Bugatti sold this engine to the US, and it was one of the worst engines ever. It was two 8-cyl enginesgeared to one propellor, and required a major redesign in order to make it stay together. Bugatti had a reputation for building good cars. I think the U-16 was based on the Royale 8-cyl auto engine; if so, myopinion of Ettore's engineering skills takes a big hit. Not even the Duesenbergs could save it.This is a good read for those having interests in engine history.

Until I noticed this title in my Amazon recommendations I had no idea that Duesenberg made aircraft engines. This is a very well written and illustrated book, most of the pictures coming from Duesenberg advertisements and technicial manuals. The text covers the history of the Duesenberg brothers, Fred and Augie, their automotive background and their five year involvement in aviation. During this period they developed four unique "walking beam" engines and worked with the Italian firm of Bugatti to develop the "King-Bugatti" engine for American production during World War One. This development work was done at the Duesenberg plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Also briefly covered are the aircraft that flew with Duesenberg engines, these are the Gallaudet D-1, Orenco Type "A", Lanzius L-1 and the LUSAC 11/21 series of aircraft. If you like aviation history, especially topics on nearly forgotten engines and aircraft, this book is for you. Very enjoyable and informative read.

For me the book was very interesting - I learned a great deal from this slim volume. I am beginning to run out of things to read about on this subject and, admittedly, the topic is obscure but the book is well done.

i wish the book was a larger size, with better printing of the photographs. The photo's are adequate, but leave you wishing they were bigger, with higher resolution.. A good, small book on a obscure subject. if you are into early aircraft engines, it is worth having.

Enjoyable read on a series of engines I didn't know exsisted. Good background on the relationship with Miller and Bugatti. The illustrations are good. Recommended if you are a piston hound with an interest esoteric or unknown aircraft engines.

If you love the Duesenberg/Miller era of great racing engines, this is a must have book. The book is small and paperback, but the photos are great and the research is fantastic. There was overlap between Duesenberg's racing car engines and aircraft engines. Much in here that I didn't know, and I've read a lot about Duesenberg. Price is so low, this book is a must buy for car or aviation collectors.

if you are interested in history of duesenberg aircraft engines is book is easy to read and understand gives a good insight

nicely done. lots of unknown information and rare photographs

ok

Useful compilation of unusual material, even though Borgeson is more interesting on the subject.

The book was in perfect condition, arrived as expected, however the content was not exactly what I was expected.