the combustion starter

The combustion starter has been developed as an efficient and compact means for providing instantaneous starting particularly on single engine military aircraft wherein minimum battery requirements are the prime consideration and emergency hand cranking not considered essential. The combustion starter equipment consists of a basic engine mounted starter, loading breech, and firing control switch.

In operation, cranking torque is applied to the engine crank shaft by means of a piston and screw shaft arrangement, which is actuated by the release of concentrated energy stored in cartridge form and fired by means of an electrical contact from the main aircraft electrical system or a small dry cell battery. The loading breech is directly connected to the starter by tubing and is designed for mounting in either the engine nacelle or pilot's compartment where it is readily accessible for cartridge loading. A push button switch connected in the battery circuit and located in the pilot's compartment is utilized for closing the circuit to the firing mechanism in the loading breech. Automatic safety devices are incorporated in the starter and breech to prevent possible injury to engine, starter or operator in the event that engine torque requirements might exceed the rated capacity of the starter when utilized for cold weather starting. Efficient operation of the combustion starter is limited to installations wherein the maximum length of intake tubing between loading breech and starter is 28" to 32". In view of the above, the combustion type of starter is not recommended for installation in multi-engined airplanes, as control of the system cannot be maintained from the pilot's compartment. Combustion starters are available in three capacities at the present time for installation on engines rated up to 550 horsepower, 1250 horsepower and 2000 horsepower, respectively.