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Interest in and development work on the aviation diesel is building. In the 1930’s and early 1940’s, the diesel engine was adapted for aircraft use. It gave a surprisingly good showing as a potential replacement for gasoline fueled powerplants, and novel configurations were tried out in both airplanes and airships. Packard Motor Car company started the experimentation, but development spanned international boundaries, involving Mercedes Benz, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce, as well as less well-known organizations. One company, Junkers, developed a reliable engine used in volume by Lufthansa for long range routes and by the Luftwaffe in limited applications.

Paralleling development of radial and in-line aircraft engines in the period 1910-1940, interesting barrel engine configurations evolved in three distinct forms. One form died of its own complexity, one fell dormant at the start of World War II, and one still lives as a potential light aircraft engine. Compared to conventional designs, barrel designs promise little vibration, smoother power strokes, and more power and torque for less frontal area, weight, and parts count. Offsetting problems appear to be tricky cooling, lubrication, structural design, and servicing and maintenance challenges. Current design lessons may still be learned from these devices.