Today we celebrate some of the most cherished sounds in aviation on which to feast your ears...radial engines. This is a longawaited followup to my last radialfest in 2021. I have curated a list of some of my favorites, though many left out will be added to another video soon. And as always, I’m open to your feedback!


00:00 C47 / DC3 (P&W R1830 1,350 HP)
How could a celebration of radial engines be complete without the venerable and immortal DC3? Unlike other radials, the P&W R1830 purrs a smooth song, running almost quietly. But given how many were produced, it served as the soundtrack for millions around the world, and is unmistakable as the aircraft it powers.

03:55 Beech 18 (P&W R985 450HP)
The Beech 18, at smaller scale of this video, is powered by 2 P&W R985s that carry the stout little 18 wherever it’s pilots choose to take it. When coupled with a 2blade prop, the R985 howls, making known its presence within miles. (I personally prefer the 3blade)

06:53 Grumman Avenger (Wright R2600 1,800 HP)
I love the Avenger, it’s big and bulky and seems to be in no hurry of going anywhere, and therefore, leaving a huge audio footprint where it goes. Contrary to the relatively muted DC3, the Avenger is loud and cantankerous.

09:31 Douglas Skyraider (Wright R3350 2,700 HP)
The Skyraider’s makes the list as one of my favorite warbirds (a tossup between the Skyraider and the nonradial P38 Lightning!), and who doesn’t enjoy listening to the monstrous R3350 light up the sky? I’m sure the vietcong didn’t.

12:21 Martin Mars (Wright R3350 2,500 HP)
It’s crazy to think that as late as 2015, the gigantic Mars was still roaming the skies in search of a contract to fight fires. Lucky were those who lived near the lakes where it operated in Canada, where it’s 4 Wright R3350 would create a thunderous roar around the mountains. Of this list, this is probably my favorite…


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Video Credits:
   • Sunday Warbird Departures  TBM Aveng...  
   • TBM Avengers in Action (Friday Part 1...  
   • Grumman TBM Avenger Takeoff  
   • Grumman TBM Avenger takeoff.  HD  
   • General Motors TBM Avenger take off  
   • HISTORIC Swissair Douglas DC3 Start ...  
   • Icelandair Douglas C47 (DC3) startu...  
   • DC3 (C47) Engine Start  WITH SOUND  
   • DC3 N437GB at Opa Locka Florida.  
   • Dc3 Takeoff Östersunds flygplats (ESPC)  
   • Douglas Dc3 "Congo Queen" 2018  
   • Beech 18 | Engine Start & Take Off | ...  
   • Start up engine of Beech 18  
   • Beechcraft Model 18 TakeOff  Classi...  
   • Matt Younkin Twin Beech 18 Takeoff  
   • Very Nice Beech 18 Landing and Takeof...  
   • [HD] Beech 18 / C45 Cockpit Takeoff  
   • Douglas A1 Skyraider Flybys  Northe...  
   • skyraider cold start  
   • Skyraider McDonell Douglas in Breitsc...  
   • Douglas AD4N Skyraider  take off, d...  
   • AD4 Skyraider Takeoff  
   • Martin JRM Mars "Hawaii Mars" Water B...  
   • Martin Mars Water Bomber demo  
   • Martin Mars Water Bomber Demo  Richm...  
   • The Hawaii Mars takes off from Lake E...