The First Airplane Diesel Engine: Packard Model DR-980 of 1928

"The First Airplane Diesel Engine: Packard Model DR-980 of 1928" by Robert B. Meyer is a scientific publication that was likely written in the mid-20th century. This book delves into the historical and technical significance of the Packard Model DR-980, which was the first diesel engine specifically designed to power an aircraft. The narrative not only highlights its innovation but also explores the challenges that led to its eventual decline. The book provides a comprehensive look at the development of the Packard diesel engine, detailing the historical context that led to its creation, including the collaboration between engineers Alvan Macauley and Hermann Dorner. It describes the engine's specifications, operating characteristics, and the technological breakthroughs that it introduced, such as its advanced fuel injection system. Despite its initial success and some record-setting flights, the book analyzes the engine's flaws and the reasons for its failure in the aviation market, primarily due to reliability issues and competition from gasoline engines. Overall, Meyer offers a detailed account that connects the Packard diesel engine's legacy to the evolution of aviation technology.