Second French Gas-turbine Lorry
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nETAlLS are now available of a
Somua gas-turbine-engined goods chassis which is reported to have been running experimentally for several months in France. The chassis, which is a prototype, is a three-axled municipalworks type, MTP.V.20, running at a gross weight of 26 tons.
Somua, who, in conjunction with Renault and Latil, are now part of the SaviernIrs group, have for several years been studying the possibility of applying gas-turbine propulsion to road vehicles. It was decided, that, rather than wail for a satisfactory proprietary unit to be produced, the best thing would be for the company to install an existing unit in a standard chassis and develop the two together.
This has resulted in the use of a Turbomeca free-turbine engine developing 270 b.h.p. at a peak speed of 35,000 r.p.m. The unit consists of two independent turbine rotors: the first drives a centrifugal compressor which, after combustion, generates exhaust gases. These gases arc then passed to the second, or propulsion turbine, which drives through a 1: 10 ratio reduction gear to a three-speed epicyclic gearbox, built to Self Changing Gear patents.
There is no heat exchanger with the engine, and presumably the fuelconsumption rate is high. Inducted air is silenced by passing it through large Super-Tubix centrifugal cleaners. These are mounted on the front wings of the prototype, which is a normal-control chassis with a conventional engine position.
Encouraging Results
Tests so far have been most encouraging. The vehicle has extremely rapid acceleration because of the high initial torque output of the engine. Starting is effected by depressing a normal accelerator pedal. On stopping, only the compressor turbine continues to rotate, the driving turbine being stationary with the exhaust gases passing through it.
A Lally 10-ton goods chassis, with a 120 b.h.p. gas-turbine power unit was exhibited at the 1951 Paris Salon. This vehicle was at the time stated to be in demonstration form and not suitable for road use. Since that date no more news of the Laffly has been forthcorning.
In addition to the Soma and Laffiy turbine-driven lorries, the possibility of a third type, used in conjunction with a free-piston engine of French origin, was mentioned in the April 6-issue.