FlyingFinn
Charter Member
They're basically the same engine, yet they sound so different. Merlin has meaty, throaty growl, where as Packard seems to have more high pitched snarl. How come?
-
Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
Question for motor gurus: Merlin Vs Packard sound
- Thread starter FlyingFinn
- Start date
BPbobafett1982
Charter Member
Only thing I can think of would be the difference in the Supercharger designs between the British and American models.
I'd think that the airflow over the engine would be a major factor in the sound. No two Merlin powered aircraft sound the same, due to the different cowling shapes.
I have never heard of anybody being able to tell if a spit or lanc is fitted with a Packard or RR Merlin, just by listening to the engine.
magoo
SOH-CM-2013
Which Merlin?
Merlin 32, 45, 47, 61, 66....Merlin II, X,.....XX,.....266..(Packard Merlin 66...)
Different heads, valves, cams, exhaust manifolds, different intakes, blowers, different aircraft, different variations of same aircraft....different propeller types, etc, etc....
..And now days, a given engine can be a real mish-mash of components....
....Still....I find them quite distinctive sounding. Musica Merlin. What a sweet song.
Merlin 32, 45, 47, 61, 66....Merlin II, X,.....XX,.....266..(Packard Merlin 66...)
Different heads, valves, cams, exhaust manifolds, different intakes, blowers, different aircraft, different variations of same aircraft....different propeller types, etc, etc....
..And now days, a given engine can be a real mish-mash of components....
....Still....I find them quite distinctive sounding. Musica Merlin. What a sweet song.
FlyingFinn
Charter Member
Well, the Merlin Merlin I heard was from Spit IX and Packard Merlin was from D-Mustang.
stuartcox
Charter Member
The Mustang has a very distinctive sound, even with a RR Merlin!
As it was mentioned above, it's mainly due to the airflow over the aircraft.
The Mustang has a great big cooler intake that can produce a high pitched 'whistle' at certain speeds and angles.
Also the engine configuration plays a roll, some are 'throatier', rough sounding, others much smoother.
Have a look at this :
These are all Rolls Royce Merlins, but sound completely different!
As it was mentioned above, it's mainly due to the airflow over the aircraft.
The Mustang has a great big cooler intake that can produce a high pitched 'whistle' at certain speeds and angles.
Also the engine configuration plays a roll, some are 'throatier', rough sounding, others much smoother.
Have a look at this :
These are all Rolls Royce Merlins, but sound completely different!
FlyingFinn
Charter Member
Indeed, they really do seem to have a personality of their own even though they're from same motor family! Wonderful sounds from both, never the less.