Have Airplane Engines Been Used in Cars?

Yes, airplane engines have been used in cars, but it is not a common practice. Airplane engines are typically much larger and more powerful than car engines, and they require a lot more maintenance. However, there have been a few notable examples of cars that have been powered by airplane engines.

The Chrysler Turbine Car

In the 1950s, Chrysler developed a concept car called the Turbine Car. The Turbine Car was powered by a small gas turbine engine, which was similar to the type of engine used in airplanes. The Turbine Car was a very advanced vehicle for its time, and it was capable of achieving speeds of over 100 mph. However, the Turbine Car was never put into production due to its high cost and poor fuel economy.

The Howmet TX

In the 1960s, Howmet Corporation developed a sports car called the TX. The TX was powered by a modified version of the Pratt & Whitney JT12 turbojet engine. The TX was a very fast car, and it could reach speeds of over 200 mph. However, the TX was also very expensive, and only a few examples were ever built.

The Vector W8

In the 1980s, Vector Aeromotive developed a sports car called the W8. The W8 was powered by a modified version of the General Electric F404 turbofan engine. The W8 was a very powerful car, and it could reach speeds of over 250 mph. However, the W8 was also very expensive, and only a few examples were ever built.

The Turbine Supercar

In the 2000s, a company called Turbine Supercar developed a sports car called the TS1. The TS1 was powered by a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20 turboshaft engine. The TS1 was a very fast car, and it could reach speeds of over 200 mph. However, the TS1 was also very expensive, and only a few examples were ever built.

Why Aren’t Airplane Engines Used in Cars More Often?

There are a few reasons why airplane engines are not used in cars more often. First, airplane engines are typically much larger and more powerful than car engines, which makes them more expensive to build and maintain. Second, airplane engines require a lot more maintenance than car engines. Third, airplane engines are not as fuel-efficient as car engines.

Conclusion

While airplane engines have been used in cars in the past, it is not a common practice. Airplane engines are typically much larger, more powerful, and more expensive than car engines. They also require more maintenance and are not as fuel-efficient. However, there have been a few notable examples of cars that have been powered by airplane engines.