The First Airplane Diesel Engine: Packard Model DR-980 of 1928 Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the first airplane to be powered by the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Towle TA-3 Flying Boat

Correct Answer: Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”

Correct Answer Explanation: The Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter” made the first diesel-powered flight on September 19, 1928, with a Packard DR-980 engine.

What was the primary fuel used by the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Distillate
• Jet Fuel

Correct Answer: Distillate

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine was designed to run on distillate, also known as “furnace oil,” a type of petroleum fuel similar to kerosene.

What was the maximum horsepower output of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• 150
• 225
• 300
• 375

Correct Answer: 225

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine produced a maximum of 225 horsepower at 1950 revolutions per minute.

What was the compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• 8:1
• 12:1
• 16:1
• 20:1

Correct Answer: 16:1

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine had a compression ratio of 16:1, which was considered high for its time.

What was the weight-power ratio of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• 1.5 pounds per horsepower
• 2.26 pounds per horsepower
• 3.0 pounds per horsepower
• 3.75 pounds per horsepower

Correct Answer: 2.26 pounds per horsepower

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine had a weight-power ratio of 2.26 pounds per horsepower, which was considered good for its time.

What was the displacement of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• 450 cubic inches
• 650 cubic inches
• 982 cubic inches
• 1200 cubic inches

Correct Answer: 982 cubic inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine had a displacement of 982 cubic inches, which was a large size for an aircraft engine at the time.

What was the unique feature of the Packard DR-980’s valve system?

• It had two valves per cylinder, one for intake and one for exhaust.
• It had a single valve per cylinder, serving both intake and exhaust.
• It had a rotary valve system for intake and exhaust.
• It had a poppet valve system with an overhead camshaft.

Correct Answer: It had a single valve per cylinder, serving both intake and exhaust.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine used a single valve per cylinder, which served both intake and exhaust functions. This was considered a major design flaw, as it limited the engine’s performance and efficiency.

What was the main reason for the Packard DR-980 engine’s eventual failure?

• It was too heavy.
• It was too expensive to produce.
• It was unreliable and prone to breakdowns.
• Its design flaws and the rise of high-octane gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: Its design flaws and the rise of high-octane gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some initial success, its design flaws, particularly the single-valve system and lack of a supercharger, ultimately led to its failure. The rapid emergence of high-octane gasoline engines also contributed to the engine’s decline.

What was the name of the record-breaking flight achieved by a Bellanca airplane powered by a Packard DR-980 engine?

• The first transatlantic flight.
• The longest non-stop flight.
• The first flight around the world.
• The longest non-refueled flight.

Correct Answer: The longest non-refueled flight.

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1931, a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight, lasting 84 hours.

Who was the chief engineer responsible for the design of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine?

• Henry Ford
• Glenn Curtiss
• Orville Wright
• L.M. Woolson

Correct Answer: L.M. Woolson

Correct Answer Explanation: L.M. Woolson, a prominent engineer and aviation pioneer, was responsible for the design of the Packard DR-980 diesel engine.

What was the primary advantage of diesel engines over gasoline engines in the 1920s?

• They were more powerful.
• They were lighter.
• They were more fuel-efficient.
• They were less expensive to produce.

Correct Answer: They were more fuel-efficient.

Correct Answer Explanation: Diesel engines were known for their fuel efficiency, a significant advantage over gasoline engines. This was especially important in aviation, where fuel economy was a crucial factor.

What was the most common starting method for the Packard DR-980 engine?

• Electric starter
• Hand crank
• Air compression
• Glow plugs

Correct Answer: Glow plugs

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine used glow plugs for starting, which were heated elements that aided in igniting the fuel.

What was the name of the airship that used a Packard DR-980 engine in 1932?

• The “Graf Zeppelin”
• The “Hindenburg”
• The “Defender”
• The “USS Akron”

Correct Answer: The “Defender”

Correct Answer Explanation: The Goodyear nonrigid airship “Defender” was powered by a Packard DR-980 engine in 1932.

What was the main problem with the Packard DR-980’s single-valve design?

• It was prone to overheating.
• It reduced the engine’s power output.
• It increased the engine’s fuel consumption.
• It made the engine more difficult to start.

Correct Answer: It reduced the engine’s power output.

Correct Answer Explanation: The single-valve design limited the engine’s airflow, reducing its power output and efficiency.

What type of fuel injection system did the Packard DR-980 engine utilize?

• Air blast
• Mechanical injection
• Electronic injection
• Solid injection

Correct Answer: Solid injection

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine employed a “solid” type of fuel injection system, developed by Hermann Dorner, which directly injected fuel into the cylinders without the use of compressed air.

What was the primary material used in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• Cast iron
• Aluminum
• Magnesium
• Steel

Correct Answer: Magnesium

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured magnesium construction, which helped to reduce its weight.

How did the Packard DR-980 engine’s fuel consumption compare to gasoline engines?

• It consumed significantly more fuel.
• It consumed about the same amount of fuel.
• It consumed significantly less fuel.
• It consumed slightly more fuel.

Correct Answer: It consumed significantly less fuel.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine was known for its fuel efficiency, consuming about 20 percent less fuel than comparable gasoline engines.

What was the main reason why the Packard DR-980 engine was not widely adopted?

• Its high cost of production.
• Its poor performance.
• Its lack of reliability.
• The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some advantages, it couldn’t compete with the performance and power of gasoline engines, which were rapidly improving.

What was the name of the airplane in which L.M. Woolson was killed in a crash in 1930?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer: Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer Explanation: L.M. Woolson, the chief engineer of the Packard DR-980 engine, was tragically killed in a crash while flying a Verville “Air Sedan” powered by the engine in 1930.

What was the year that production of the Packard DR-980 engine ceased?

• 1929
• 1931
• 1933
• 1935

Correct Answer: 1933

Correct Answer Explanation: Production of the Packard DR-980 engine ended in 1933, despite its initial promise and potential.

What was the name of the airplane that set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Towle TA-3 Flying Boat

Correct Answer: Bellanca “Pacemaker”

Correct Answer Explanation: A Bellanca “Pacemaker” airplane, powered by a Packard DR-980 engine, set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931, lasting 84 hours.

What was the unique feature of the Packard DR-980 engine’s crankshaft?

• It was made of aluminum.
• It was dynamically balanced.
• It was mounted on rubber bushings.
• It had a single throw.

Correct Answer: It was dynamically balanced.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a dynamically balanced crankshaft, which helped to reduce vibrations and improve smoothness.

What was the approximate fuel consumption of the Packard DR-980 engine at cruising speed?

• 0.20 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.60 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.80 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer: 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine consumed approximately 0.40 pounds of fuel per horsepower-hour at cruising speed.

What was the approximate maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 500 psi
• 1000 psi
• 1500 psi
• 2000 psi

Correct Answer: 1500 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine reached approximately 1500 psi.

What was the name of the pilot who flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931?

• Charles Lindbergh
• Amelia Earhart
• Wiley Post
• Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer: Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer Explanation: Parker D. Cramer flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931.

What was the approximate outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 30 inches
• 40 inches
• 45 11/16 inches
• 50 inches

Correct Answer: 45 11/16 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 45 11/16 inches.

What was the approximate overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 25 inches
• 30 inches
• 36 3/4 inches
• 40 inches

Correct Answer: 36 3/4 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 36 3/4 inches.

What was the approximate weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub?

• 300 pounds
• 400 pounds
• 510 pounds
• 600 pounds

Correct Answer: 510 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub was approximately 510 pounds.

What was the primary advantage of using magnesium in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• It was cheaper than aluminum.
• It was stronger than steel.
• It was lighter than aluminum.
• It was more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Correct Answer: It was lighter than aluminum.

Correct Answer Explanation: Magnesium was chosen for its lightness, which was crucial for aircraft engines.

What was the purpose of the fuel circulating pump in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• To keep the fuel cool.
• To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.
• To increase fuel pressure.
• To lubricate the fuel lines.

Correct Answer: To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.

Correct Answer Explanation: The fuel circulating pump helped to prevent fuel from settling in the tank, ensuring a consistent supply to the engine.

What was the primary reason why the Packard DR-980 engine was not widely adopted?

• Its high cost of production.
• Its poor performance.
• Its lack of reliability.
• The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some advantages, it couldn’t compete with the performance and power of gasoline engines, which were rapidly improving.

What was the name of the airplane that Clarence Chamberlin owned and flew with a Packard DR-980 engine?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Lockheed “Vega”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor

Correct Answer: Lockheed “Vega”

Correct Answer Explanation: Clarence Chamberlin, an aviation pioneer, owned a Lockheed “Vega” airplane that was powered by a Packard DR-980 engine. He later set an altitude record with this aircraft.

What was the approximate pressure of the fuel injection system in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 1000 psi
• 3000 psi
• 6000 psi
• 9000 psi

Correct Answer: 6000 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a direct fuel injection system with a pressure of approximately 6000 psi.

What was the approximate compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine after it was reduced in 1931?

• 12:1
• 14:1
• 16:1
• 18:1

Correct Answer: 14:1

Correct Answer Explanation: The compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine was reduced from 16:1 to 14:1 in 1931, likely to address some of the engine’s performance issues.

What was the name of the record-breaking flight achieved by a Bellanca airplane powered by a Packard DR-980 engine?

• The first transatlantic flight.
• The longest non-stop flight.
• The first flight around the world.
• The longest non-refueled flight.

Correct Answer: The longest non-refueled flight.

Correct Answer Explanation: In 1931, a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight, lasting 84 hours.

What was the primary reason why the Packard DR-980 engine was not widely adopted?

• Its high cost of production.
• Its poor performance.
• Its lack of reliability.
• The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some advantages, it couldn’t compete with the performance and power of gasoline engines, which were rapidly improving.

What was the primary advantage of diesel engines over gasoline engines in the 1920s?

• They were more powerful.
• They were lighter.
• They were more fuel-efficient.
• They were less expensive to produce.

Correct Answer: They were more fuel-efficient.

Correct Answer Explanation: Diesel engines were known for their fuel efficiency, a significant advantage over gasoline engines. This was especially important in aviation, where fuel economy was a crucial factor.

What was the main reason for the Packard DR-980 engine’s eventual failure?

• It was too heavy.
• It was too expensive to produce.
• It was unreliable and prone to breakdowns.
• Its design flaws and the rise of high-octane gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: Its design flaws and the rise of high-octane gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some initial success, its design flaws, particularly the single-valve system and lack of a supercharger, ultimately led to its failure. The rapid emergence of high-octane gasoline engines also contributed to the engine’s decline.

What was the name of the airplane that set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Towle TA-3 Flying Boat

Correct Answer: Bellanca “Pacemaker”

Correct Answer Explanation: A Bellanca “Pacemaker” airplane, powered by a Packard DR-980 engine, set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931, lasting 84 hours.

What was the unique feature of the Packard DR-980 engine’s crankshaft?

• It was made of aluminum.
• It was dynamically balanced.
• It was mounted on rubber bushings.
• It had a single throw.

Correct Answer: It was dynamically balanced.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a dynamically balanced crankshaft, which helped to reduce vibrations and improve smoothness.

What was the approximate fuel consumption of the Packard DR-980 engine at cruising speed?

• 0.20 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.60 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.80 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer: 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine consumed approximately 0.40 pounds of fuel per horsepower-hour at cruising speed.

What was the approximate maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 500 psi
• 1000 psi
• 1500 psi
• 2000 psi

Correct Answer: 1500 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine reached approximately 1500 psi.

What was the name of the pilot who flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931?

• Charles Lindbergh
• Amelia Earhart
• Wiley Post
• Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer: Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer Explanation: Parker D. Cramer flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931.

What was the approximate outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 30 inches
• 40 inches
• 45 11/16 inches
• 50 inches

Correct Answer: 45 11/16 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 45 11/16 inches.

What was the approximate overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 25 inches
• 30 inches
• 36 3/4 inches
• 40 inches

Correct Answer: 36 3/4 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 36 3/4 inches.

What was the approximate weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub?

• 300 pounds
• 400 pounds
• 510 pounds
• 600 pounds

Correct Answer: 510 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub was approximately 510 pounds.

What was the primary advantage of using magnesium in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• It was cheaper than aluminum.
• It was stronger than steel.
• It was lighter than aluminum.
• It was more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Correct Answer: It was lighter than aluminum.

Correct Answer Explanation: Magnesium was chosen for its lightness, which was crucial for aircraft engines.

What was the purpose of the fuel circulating pump in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• To keep the fuel cool.
• To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.
• To increase fuel pressure.
• To lubricate the fuel lines.

Correct Answer: To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.

Correct Answer Explanation: The fuel circulating pump helped to prevent fuel from settling in the tank, ensuring a consistent supply to the engine.

What was the primary reason why the Packard DR-980 engine was not widely adopted?

• Its high cost of production.
• Its poor performance.
• Its lack of reliability.
• The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some advantages, it couldn’t compete with the performance and power of gasoline engines, which were rapidly improving.

What was the name of the airplane in which L.M. Woolson was killed in a crash in 1930?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer: Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer Explanation: L.M. Woolson, the chief engineer of the Packard DR-980 engine, was tragically killed in a crash while flying a Verville “Air Sedan” powered by the engine in 1930.

What was the year that production of the Packard DR-980 engine ceased?

• 1929
• 1931
• 1933
• 1935

Correct Answer: 1933

Correct Answer Explanation: Production of the Packard DR-980 engine ended in 1933, despite its initial promise and potential.

What was the name of the airplane that Clarence Chamberlin owned and flew with a Packard DR-980 engine?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Lockheed “Vega”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor

Correct Answer: Lockheed “Vega”

Correct Answer Explanation: Clarence Chamberlin, an aviation pioneer, owned a Lockheed “Vega” airplane that was powered by a Packard DR-980 engine. He later set an altitude record with this aircraft.

What was the approximate pressure of the fuel injection system in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 1000 psi
• 3000 psi
• 6000 psi
• 9000 psi

Correct Answer: 6000 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a direct fuel injection system with a pressure of approximately 6000 psi.

What was the approximate compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine after it was reduced in 1931?

• 12:1
• 14:1
• 16:1
• 18:1

Correct Answer: 14:1

Correct Answer Explanation: The compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine was reduced from 16:1 to 14:1 in 1931, likely to address some of the engine’s performance issues.

What was the approximate weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub?

• 300 pounds
• 400 pounds
• 510 pounds
• 600 pounds

Correct Answer: 510 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub was approximately 510 pounds.

What was the primary advantage of using magnesium in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• It was cheaper than aluminum.
• It was stronger than steel.
• It was lighter than aluminum.
• It was more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Correct Answer: It was lighter than aluminum.

Correct Answer Explanation: Magnesium was chosen for its lightness, which was crucial for aircraft engines.

What was the purpose of the fuel circulating pump in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• To keep the fuel cool.
• To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.
• To increase fuel pressure.
• To lubricate the fuel lines.

Correct Answer: To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.

Correct Answer Explanation: The fuel circulating pump helped to prevent fuel from settling in the tank, ensuring a consistent supply to the engine.

What was the primary reason why the Packard DR-980 engine was not widely adopted?

• Its high cost of production.
• Its poor performance.
• Its lack of reliability.
• The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer: The dominance of gasoline engines.

Correct Answer Explanation: While the Packard DR-980 engine had some advantages, it couldn’t compete with the performance and power of gasoline engines, which were rapidly improving.

What was the name of the airplane in which L.M. Woolson was killed in a crash in 1930?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer: Verville “Air Sedan”

Correct Answer Explanation: L.M. Woolson, the chief engineer of the Packard DR-980 engine, was tragically killed in a crash while flying a Verville “Air Sedan” powered by the engine in 1930.

What was the year that production of the Packard DR-980 engine ceased?

• 1929
• 1931
• 1933
• 1935

Correct Answer: 1933

Correct Answer Explanation: Production of the Packard DR-980 engine ended in 1933, despite its initial promise and potential.

What was the name of the airplane that Clarence Chamberlin owned and flew with a Packard DR-980 engine?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Lockheed “Vega”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor

Correct Answer: Lockheed “Vega”

Correct Answer Explanation: Clarence Chamberlin, an aviation pioneer, owned a Lockheed “Vega” airplane that was powered by a Packard DR-980 engine. He later set an altitude record with this aircraft.

What was the approximate pressure of the fuel injection system in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 1000 psi
• 3000 psi
• 6000 psi
• 9000 psi

Correct Answer: 6000 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a direct fuel injection system with a pressure of approximately 6000 psi.

What was the approximate compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine after it was reduced in 1931?

• 12:1
• 14:1
• 16:1
• 18:1

Correct Answer: 14:1

Correct Answer Explanation: The compression ratio of the Packard DR-980 engine was reduced from 16:1 to 14:1 in 1931, likely to address some of the engine’s performance issues.

What was the approximate weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub?

• 300 pounds
• 400 pounds
• 510 pounds
• 600 pounds

Correct Answer: 510 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub was approximately 510 pounds.

What was the primary advantage of using magnesium in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• It was cheaper than aluminum.
• It was stronger than steel.
• It was lighter than aluminum.
• It was more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Correct Answer: It was lighter than aluminum.

Correct Answer Explanation: Magnesium was chosen for its lightness, which was crucial for aircraft engines.

What was the purpose of the fuel circulating pump in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• To keep the fuel cool.
• To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.
• To increase fuel pressure.
• To lubricate the fuel lines.

Correct Answer: To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.

Correct Answer Explanation: The fuel circulating pump helped to prevent fuel from settling in the tank, ensuring a consistent supply to the engine.

What was the name of the airplane that set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931?

• Bellanca “Pacemaker”
• Stinson SM-1DX “Detroiter”
• Ford 11-AT-1 Trimotor
• Towle TA-3 Flying Boat

Correct Answer: Bellanca “Pacemaker”

Correct Answer Explanation: A Bellanca “Pacemaker” airplane, powered by a Packard DR-980 engine, set a world record for the longest non-refueled flight in 1931, lasting 84 hours.

What was the unique feature of the Packard DR-980 engine’s crankshaft?

• It was made of aluminum.
• It was dynamically balanced.
• It was mounted on rubber bushings.
• It had a single throw.

Correct Answer: It was dynamically balanced.

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine featured a dynamically balanced crankshaft, which helped to reduce vibrations and improve smoothness.

What was the approximate fuel consumption of the Packard DR-980 engine at cruising speed?

• 0.20 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.60 pounds per horsepower-hour
• 0.80 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer: 0.40 pounds per horsepower-hour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Packard DR-980 engine consumed approximately 0.40 pounds of fuel per horsepower-hour at cruising speed.

What was the approximate maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 500 psi
• 1000 psi
• 1500 psi
• 2000 psi

Correct Answer: 1500 psi

Correct Answer Explanation: The maximum cylinder pressure in the Packard DR-980 engine reached approximately 1500 psi.

What was the name of the pilot who flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931?

• Charles Lindbergh
• Amelia Earhart
• Wiley Post
• Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer: Parker D. Cramer

Correct Answer Explanation: Parker D. Cramer flew a Bellanca “Pacemaker” powered by a Packard DR-980 engine from Detroit to Lerwick, Shetland Islands in 1931.

What was the approximate outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 30 inches
• 40 inches
• 45 11/16 inches
• 50 inches

Correct Answer: 45 11/16 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The outside diameter of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 45 11/16 inches.

What was the approximate overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• 25 inches
• 30 inches
• 36 3/4 inches
• 40 inches

Correct Answer: 36 3/4 inches

Correct Answer Explanation: The overall length of the Packard DR-980 engine was approximately 36 3/4 inches.

What was the approximate weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub?

• 300 pounds
• 400 pounds
• 510 pounds
• 600 pounds

Correct Answer: 510 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The weight of the Packard DR-980 engine without the propeller hub was approximately 510 pounds.

What was the primary advantage of using magnesium in the construction of the Packard DR-980 engine?

• It was cheaper than aluminum.
• It was stronger than steel.
• It was lighter than aluminum.
• It was more corrosion-resistant than steel.

Correct Answer: It was lighter than aluminum.

Correct Answer Explanation: Magnesium was chosen for its lightness, which was crucial for aircraft engines.

What was the purpose of the fuel circulating pump in the Packard DR-980 engine?

• To keep the fuel cool.
• To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.
• To increase fuel pressure.
• To lubricate the fuel lines.

Correct Answer: To prevent fuel from settling in the tank.

Correct Answer Explanation: The fuel circulating pump helped to prevent fuel from settling in the tank, ensuring a consistent supply to the engine.

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