An investigation of the installed power of the Cessna 310 aircraft, by use of an externally mounted torquemeter

This thesis reports on a test conducted to determine installed engine power. This test was performed to determine the installed power of the Cessna 310A operated by The University of Tennessee Space Institute. Installed power is the power the engine produces after installation into the airframe. In order to obtain measurements of installed power, a torquemeter was mounted between the propeller and the Continental 0-470 M series engines. The test data were corrected to standard conditions, and installed power charts were developed for sea level and altitude conditions. These charts were combined to form an installed engine performance chart. The installed charts were then compared to Continental's engine performance data. The comparison revealed that, on the average, there was a 16 percent loss of power at any particular power setting. It should be noted that the test points were obtained at a full rich mixture setting. The power losses are caused by engine accessories, installation and wear on the engines since the last major overhaul.