The Shvetsov ASh-82 (also written ASh‑82) is a Soviet 14‑cylinder, two‑row, air‑cooled radial piston engine developed during World War II. It was produced by the Shvetsov Design Bureau (OKB-19) in the USSR and entered service in 1942. The engine powered a variety of Soviet aircraft, most notably the Lavochkin La‑5 and La‑7 fighters, the Ilyushin Il‑12 transport, and the Yakovlev Yak‑3 (in limited numbers).
Development and Design
- The ASh‑82 was derived from the earlier Shvetsov ASh‑71, which itself was based on the American Wright R‑1820 Cyclone.
- Design work began in 1939 to create a more powerful engine for fighter aircraft.
- The first production models delivered 1,700 hp (1,268 kW) at sea level; later versions reached up to 2,100 hp (1,566 kW) with supercharging and fuel injection.
- It employed a single‑speed, single‑stage mechanical supercharger and later incorporated a gearbox‑driven turbo-supercharger in the ASh‑82T (turbocharged) variant.
Technical Specifications (Typical ASh‑82FN version)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 14‑cylinder, two‑row radial |
| Displacement | 41.2 L (2,516 in³) |
| Bore × Stroke | 160 mm × 150 mm (6.30 in × 5.91 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 |
| Power Output | 1,850 hp (1,380 kW) at 2,500 rpm, sea level |
| Weight (dry) | ≈ 1,030 kg (2,270 lb) |
| Fuel System | Carbureted (later fuel‑injected versions) |
| Cooling | Air‑cooled, radial finned cylinders |
| Propeller Drive | Direct‑drive, propeller reduction gear (optional) |
| Ignition | Dual magnetos |
Variants
- ASh‑82 – Initial production model, 1,700 hp, carbureted.
- ASh‑82F – Improved version with higher compression, 1,850 hp.
- ASh‑82FN – Fuel‑injected version, 2,000 hp; widely used in La‑7 fighters.
- ASh‑82T – Turbo‑supercharged version for high‑altitude performance, up to 2,100 hp.
- ASh‑82V – Variant with a reduced reduction gear ratio for use on transport aircraft.
Operational History
- Entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1942, replacing earlier engines such as the Shvetsov M‑62.
- Provided a significant boost in performance for Soviet front‑line fighters, contributing to air superiority on the Eastern Front during the latter part of the war.
- Post‑war, the ASh‑82 continued in service on Ilyushin Il‑12 and Il‑14 transports, as well as on various trainer and liaison aircraft.
- Production continued until the early 1950s, with total output estimated at over 24,000 units.
Legacy
The ASh‑82 is regarded as one of the most successful Soviet piston engines of its era, noted for its reliability and adaptability across multiple aircraft types. Its design principles influenced later Soviet radial engines, and preserved examples are displayed in several aviation museums worldwide.
