As part of a long series of radial engines, Bristol in the UK introduced the “Hercules” in the late 1930s. Its initial rating was 1,250 hp, but it remained in production until the 1950s by which time power had increased to slightly over 2,020 hp.

This 14 cylinder, two-row, sleeve-valve radial was one of the most significant British military engines of World War II, produced in large numbers for the “Beaufighter”, “Halifax”, “Stirling”, “Wellington” and a few “Lancasters”.

It was also used in civilian aircraft after the War, and our example is a 2,020 hp variant from a Bristol “Freighter”.