![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Radial_engine_WACO_QCF2.jpg/640px-Radial_engine_WACO_QCF2.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Radial engine
Reciprocating engine with cylinders arranged radially from a single crankshaft / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about the conventional radial engine with fixed cylinders and a revolving crankshaft. For the otherwise similar engine with a rotating crankcase, see rotary engine.
The radial engine is a reciprocating type internal combustion engine configuration in which the cylinders "radiate" outward from a central crankcase like the spokes of a wheel. It resembles a stylized star when viewed from the front, and is called a "star engine" in some other languages.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Radial_engine_WACO_QCF2.jpg/640px-Radial_engine_WACO_QCF2.jpg)
The radial configuration was commonly used for aircraft engines before gas turbine engines became predominant.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Radial_engine_timing.gif/640px-Radial_engine_timing.gif)
Pistons are in gold and valves in pink, master rod in pale purple, slaved connecting rods in blue, crankshaft / counterbalance in gray and timing ring and cams in red.