I was a second officer on the DC-7C with Riddle Airlines in 1961. The engines did have engine driven superchargers to cram air into the induction system as all big engines did. However it also had PRTs. A turbine spun by the exhaust that provided power directly to the crank shaft through a fluid coupling.
Oby, e-mail, 29.08.2009 20:21
is there a way of outfitting and DC4/6/7 aircraft with turbo Props? such as the ones found on the BT-67 (Converted DC-3) if so please let me know. also, as i recall the Turbo-superchargers on teh DC-7C made the engines such that theyy out performed the Super Connnie by about 150 Horses per engine.
Bill Hodges, e-mail, 26.05.2008 04:35
My first long flight,from Houston to NYC, was on an Eastern AL DC-7. I was 13 (1956) and loved every minute!
Harry Moss, e-mail, 03.10.2007 16:41
I believe the engines on the DC7C were R3350EA4 models
thawkins, e-mail, 23.09.2007 02:54
The "turbo-compound" engines are not "turbo-charged". The power provided by the turbos is sent directly to the engine crankshaft via a fluid drive transmission. This device is called a "PRT" for power recovery turbine.
Frank Atkins, e-mail, 05.02.2007 12:07
As I recall the engines were fitted with power recovery turbines (PRTs)not turbo chargers. The engines were fitted with engine driven 2 stage superchargers.
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