Aerospace Engines A to Z
Aerospace Engines A to Z

Updated: 30-Jan-2024

This is the “Socièté Française de Fabrication Aeronautique” that made a pair of radial engines around 1929.

SFFA, A model
“SFFA, A model”

-At the Paris Air Show it presented two models of radial engines, the A with seven cylinders and the B with three.

-The A was a seven-cylinder that gave 90 CV. What stands out is the arrangement of the exhaust pipes that improve the emptying of the cylinders as the plane advances.

Author's note: Just like the Packard Diesel engine, this made the plane dirtier and if it was installed in the bow of the fuselage, the gases flowed to the pilot and/or passenger, thus poisoning them.

-If the intention is good, the idea is bad in itself: the exhaust gases must be properly redirected.

SFFA, B model
“SFFA, B model”

-The three-cylinder, model B gave 40/45 CV.

From Appendix 10: Below we show the cover of a Manuel d'Entretien (Maintenance or Service Manual) in which it is mentioned that it is the Type A engine.

Cover of the Type A manual
“Cover of the Type A manual”

This engine had 7 cylinders and gave 90 CV. Unlike the one described in the main text, it does not have longitudinal exhaust ducts.

-Although it does have the magnetos in the same arrangement as the Lawrance and Wright Whirlwind (J-1 to J-5)

Engines of SFFA

Model: Model A

Arquitecture:
Cooling:
Total Displacement:
Bore / Stroke: x
Power:
Weight:

Other details:
Model: Model B

Arquitecture:
Cooling:
Total Displacement:
Bore / Stroke: x
Power:
Weight:

Other details:

The author of this edition of Aeroengines AtoZ, through Aeroteca, collaborated on Version 2 of this video, which is presented here.

To understand the operation of the connecting rods, the 1929 Continental R 670 single-cylinder engine was chosen.

A demonstration of Version 3, improved at the author's suggestion, is also available on YouTube at a later date. This version shows bronze valve guides, improved valve spring movement, and the split crankshaft counterweights and front bearing balls also move.

The design is from Juan Soler, Sant Cugat, Barcelona

Below we show a flash of version 3

Counting also with the coloboration of JMC of Enginys Mecanics in Mataro, Barcelona