A magneto as I know it is sort of like a distributor driven off the engine with a generator/alternator built into the base. Its the ignition system and electrical system all in one.
So how do magnetos boost power? The switch in question should ground out or enable the magnetos meaning the engine should run or not run.
A magneto as I know it is sort of like a distributor driven off the engine with a generator/alternator built into the base. Its the ignition system and electrical system all in one.
So how do magnetos boost power? The switch in question should ground out or enable the magnetos meaning the engine should run or not run.
I mentioned this before. Basically all reciprocating aircraft engines use a magneto. A magneto is a generator type device that is hooked to the crankshaft of the engine. When the engine turns the magneto energizes and creates electricity suitable for arcing across a spark plug. This arc contains a large amount of energy, large enough to ignite the fuel air mixture which causes the piston to be pushed down producing torque. This torque powers the magneto so the system repeats itself.
Reliability is paramount in an aviation engine and this is why they use magnetos. Magnetos are heavy and not very adjustable and they have been replaced in cars today by a battery and alternator. If you disconnect the battery of a modern car the engine will not run.
Aircraft engines use 2 magnetos for extra redundancy and thats why the selector says 1, 2, 1+2, and 0. Before takeoff the pilot performs a mag check by running up the engines to ~2500 RPM to ensure that the mags are working properly. If for example he switches it to mag 1 and the RPM falls it would be indicative that there is a problem with mag 1.
Aircraft engines also have 2 spark plugs per cylinder, with each plug hooked to mag 1 or mag 2. This provides another degree of redundancy and it also enables more complete combustion leading to better efficiency and power.
The use of the magnetos for a "power boost" ingame is largely artistic license.
Not to be a debbie downer, Magnetos are meant not for " boosting " but for engine management. With magneto 1 on the RPM should drop around 100 - 200 RPM. with both Magnetos on, you turn the starter switch on a real airplane and the engine will start. But on the real BF109 E they had the magneto setting, as above in the picture, and to start it you pushed a button in.
Excuse my know-it-all-ness. But its just a taste of realism coming from a real pilot.
Ok, I apologize for what I said, it is not the magneto that causes the boost in the FH planes, it is the WEP, I unfortunetly thought that they were the same.... However, yes, WEP is shown in FH2.
This site is part of the Defy Media Gaming network
The best serving of video game culture, since 2001. Whether you're looking for news, reviews, walkthroughs, or the biggest collection of PC gaming files on the planet, Game Front has you covered. We also make no illusions about gaming: it's supposed to be fun. Browse gaming galleries, humor lists, and honest, short-form reporting. Game on!
Forgotten Hope General Yib-Yab (Off Topic) 
Re: Magnetos of Bf109E-4/Trop 
Linear Mode
