CLASSIC NEVER DIES

The Turbocharged Engine: From Aircrafts to Modern Standard

Twin turbo's attached to an engine with straight exhausts pointing out with tubing exposed and wires. — What’s better than 1 turbo? Twins…
Source: Porsche

Turbocharging has revolutionized engine performance, blending power and efficiency in a way few technologies can rival. From its origins as an industrial innovation to its role in modern high-performance vehicles, the turbocharged engine has carved a unique place in automotive history. By harnessing exhaust gases to deliver a powerful boost, turbocharged engines have become synonymous with enhanced performance and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what internal combustion engines can achieve.

Turbocharger diagram with orange and blue colors depicting airflow pictured on a white background. — Orange indicated exhaust flow, exhaust fumes go into rear of turbo spinning internal turbine. The blue indicates intake flow where the turbine compresses the air which then goes into the engine.
Source: Porsche

Diagram of how a turbo works on an engine. Words and boxes directed by arrows explaining how things work. — *Source: Wiki Commons*

Turbo cut open exposing fans and internals with a light shining directly on it — An innovation that increases the power output for smaller engines. A means to create power while adhering to stricter fuel emissions.
Source: Wiki Commons

The origins of the turbocharger or turbo or turbo supercharger trace back to 1905 when Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi patented the concept. Büchi aimed to improve the efficiency of diesel engines by using exhaust gases to drive a turbine that compressed incoming air. This increased air density allowed more fuel to be burned, generating greater power without enlarging the engine. Early applications were focused on ships and aircraft, where maximizing power while minimizing weight and space was critical. World War II saw significant advances in turbocharging, with aircraft like the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress using the technology to maintain engine performance at high altitudes.