Continental A40

A40
Preserved Continental A40
Type Piston aero-engine
National origin United States
Manufacturer Teledyne Continental Motors
First run 1931
Major applications Taylor E-2 Cub
Piper J-2 Cub



The Continental A40 engine is a carbureted four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft engine that was developed especially for use in light aircraft by Continental Motors. It was produced between 1931 and 1941.[1][2][3]

Design and development

The 37 hp (28 kW) A40 was introduced in the depths of the Great Depression. At the time there were a number of small engines available but all suffered from either high cost, complexity, or low reliability. The A-40 addressed all those shortcomings and was instrumental in the production of light aircraft in the difficult economic constraints of the period. The A-40-4 introduced an increase in power to 40 hp (30 kW). The engine later inspired the A-50 and subsequent engines.[1][2][4]

The A40 featured single ignition until the A-40-5 version, which introduced dual ignition. All engines in this family have a 5.2:1 compression ratio and were designed to run on fuel with a minimum octane rating of 73.[2][3]

The entire family of engines had its certification terminated on 1 November 1941. Engines produced before that date are still certified, but none can be produced after that date.[2][3]

Variants

A40
Single ignition, 37 hp (28 kW) at 2550 rpm, dry weight 144 lb (65 kg)[2]
A40-2
Single ignition, 37 hp (28 kW) at 2550 rpm, dry weight 144 lb (65 kg)[2]
A-40-3
Single ignition, 37 hp (28 kW) at 2550 rpm, dry weight 144 lb (65 kg)[2] Featured cadmium-nickel connecting rod bearings.[5]
A40-4
Single ignition, 40 hp (30 kW) at 2575 rpm, dry weight 144 lb (65 kg),[2] Steel backed connecting rod inserts
A40-5
Dual ignition, 40 hp (30 kW) at 2575 rpm, dry weight 156 lb (71 kg)[3]

Applications

Taylor E-2 Cub showing its A-40 engine with the cylinders protruding through the cowling, Canada Aviation Museum.

Engines on display

Specifications (A40-5)

Data from Type Certificate Data Sheet 72,[2] Jane's 1938[10]

General characteristics

Components

Performance

See also


Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Continental A-40". Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Federal Aviation Administration (November 1941). "Approved Type Certificate 72" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-12-15.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Federal Aviation Administration (November 1941). "Approved Type Certificate 174" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-12-15.
  4. ↑ Christy, Joe: Engines for Homebuilt Aircraft & Ultralights, pages 8-9. TAB Books, 1983. ISBN 0-8306-2347-7
  5. ↑ Sport Aviation. December 1959. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. 1 2 3 4 Wooden props (2008). "Fahlin Propellers". Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  7. ↑ "ATC 660 data sheet" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
  8. ↑ "Aircraft Specification No. A-691" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
  9. ↑ "TC 637 data sheet" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  10. ↑ Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938. London: Sampson, Low & Martin company Limited. 1938.
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