But the R-2800 Double Wasp is an engineering triumph in its own right. Hellcat, Corsair, Thunderbolt, Black Widow, Bearcat... they put it in everything.
@Agathos you have to remember history to understand why the RAF selected this design.
The conflicting design problems at the time (mid 1930's) dictating power plant choice? How do we create a fighter with enough power and speed that will allow bombers & fighters to be shot down using the limited resources we have (dollars, manpower and materials) post, "great depression"?
The answer, the Rolls Royce V12, inline Merlin. It did the job. Especially in '39 and 1940, when the only thing separating a full out invasion by Nazi Germany was 22 miles of water and the sky.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radial_engine#Radial_versus_in...
- http://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/2920/why-are-inl...
- http://www.warbirdsforum.com/topic/545-radial-vs-inline-engi...