Originally Posted by
treadigraph
The B-29 used the Wright R3350 which is a two row 18 cylinder engine; as you say the rear row initially proved hard to cool. The B-29 was then developed into the B-50 and C-97, both of which used the P&W R4360 with four rows and 28 cylinders - the "corncob". Also problematic in keeping the backmost rows cool. Did any other four row radial engines see production?
Fading memories of seeing/hearing a couple of AFRES KC-97s passing over the UK in the mid-70s, fantastic sound!
I’m guessing these engine cooling issues were also a factor in the B29’s noticeable shallow, almost flat climb angle after takeoff
Best forward speed for cooling ?