So what was it that persuaded Douglas, following on from the DC6, to do the DC7 with Curtis-Wright engines rather than Pratts ? Surely the Curtis reliability record (or lack of it) was well known by then ?
Ah, well actually, no, and this is where many folks make mistakes.
The engines on the B-29 were CurtisWright R3350's, but
not turbocompound models.
These TC engines were developed for the DC-7, 1049G/H and 1649 Constellations (among a few others).
These engines offered lower fuel consumption for a greater BHP delivered, and enabled true north Atlantic westbound non-stop capability.
Good engine idea...poor reliability.
The exhaust driven power recovery turbines (three of these on each engine, fluid-coupled to the engine crankshaft) provided the extra BHP, and thus cruise speed, for the same 400 gal/hr (approximately) fuel consumption.
Jets came along...CurtisWright TC engines went away, along with the aeroplanes they were installed on.
Sad but true.
