| Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Mikulin was one of the first
engineers to work at NAMI (scientific auto motor institute), having been
engaged in engine design since 1916 (I. Sikorski).
In 1925 he used Junkers techniques in the AM-13, a large water-cooled V-12 qualified in 1928 at 880 hp at 2,150 rpm, and he collaborated with N. R. Brilling on the Soviet derivatives of the Jupiter, notably the 2-row 18-cylinder M-18 which g ave severe problems with the complex valve gear. More important was Mikulin's over-seeing the licensed BMW VI and ist development into the M-17 family. In parallel Mikulin studied available hardware and in 1930 obtained permission to design the AM-30 in an attempt to create the best V-12 possible. It used modified BMW VI cylinder blocks (160 x 190 mm cylinders, 46.7 litres), an HS12 rear wheelcase, Alliso n supercharger and RR Buzzard reduction gear. In 1931 it was qualified at 660 hp at 2,000 rpm. It was the starting point for a major series of large engines, the first production type being the AM-34 built in at least 14 versions between 1932-39 with compr ession ration 6.25, 66 or 7.0 and with powers 690 hp (34) to 930 hp (34R, F), 900 hp (FRN), 950 or 970 hp (R/RN) cr 7, 1,200 hp (FRNV) or 1,275 hp (RNF). The AM-35 had a new cylinder head and improved supercharger, qualified in 1939 at 1,200 hp, the AM-35A reaching 1,350 hp. The AM-37 of 1940 reached 1,380 hp, or 1,400 as the 37F. Vast numbers were made of the AM-38 qualified in 1941 at 1,550 hp, later 1,66 5 hp, and the 38F of 1,700, 1,720 and 1,760 hp.
In 1942 the AM-39 was qualified at 1,8970 hp,
fol.lowed by the FN-2 at 1,850 hp, the A at 1,900 a nd FB at 1,800.
The Family ended with the AM-42 of 2,000 hp(IL-10), AM-43 of 1,950
to 2,200 hp, and AM-47 of 1946 of 2,700 to 3,100 hp (AM-47F).
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page last updated: 18.12.1999 |
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