"Jose" wrote in message
...
Another very larger reason for bush pilots using the radial engines are
toughness and ease of repair.

What (in the design) makes this so?

Ask the US Navy, for many years. The radial engine is the only type that would
be considered aboard aircraft carriers.

I would think that the major thing is the construction of the crankshaft, and
the great toughness that it has to have, to withstand that many pistons, of high
horsepower, on one throw.

If a jug blows off, or seizes, it thrashes the rod until there is nothing left
banging around. If a multi throw crankshaft had to do the same thing, it would
usually bent or break, thus stopping all horsepower from being produced.

A jug on a radial is also more out in the open, than an opposing engine, and
especially more so than an inline engine, thus making a changeout easier.

I'm sure there are other factors that I am missing, but those are the ones that
come to mind quickly, from what I have read.
--
Jim in NC