
SUPERYACHT #497 September 2003
Article selected from our quarterly magazine dedicated to the largest
and most luxurious boats with information, interviews, technical
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Article by Angelo Colombo
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THE HISTORY OF THE ENGINE WAS SHAPED BY MAN
The diesel engine owes its existence to the experiments and research
carried out by Rudolf Diesel from 1893 to 1897 at the MAN premises
(Maschinenfabrick Augsburg Nueremberg) of Augsburg.
The first self-ignition endothermic engine was the result of the
intense work carried out during those years. Diesel's invention
changed the course of history, for in 1897 his propulsor was able to
reach a mechanical efficiency of 26% whereas similar-powered steam
machines in the period did not exceed 6%.
As early as 1923, MAN engineers created the first direct injection
fast diesel engine and only a year later these began to be used for
land transport vehicles, in industry and on passenger ships and fast
vessels. Other milestones in the history of the diesel engine include
the first use of a turbo supercharger in 1951 and then the cooling of
supercharged air, known as inter cooler. The research objective of
MAN engineers has always been to achieve the best combination of
several factors such as power, operating economy, respect for the
environment and limited dimensions. In order to achieve these
results, it is necessary to exploit the latest progress in engine
technology while continuing to experiment and seek new solutions. The
first diesel engine in history, that of 1897, had a cubic volume of 20
litres, weighed 4,500kg and was able to deliver 20HP. An engine
nowadays with the same displacement weighs 1,800kg and can deliver as
much as 1,300 HP. These data clearly demonstrate the value of
developments in the mechanics industry. MAN marine engines are
designed according to a modular system which offers several advantages
such as the possibility to use a large number of identical components
in various types of engine. The MAN engines are used for several
types of ship and gliding and displacing luxury yachts thanks to a
wide range of engines developed by the company to meet different needs.
In Italy MAN engines have been imported and sold since as far
back as the 1930s by the Ranieri Tonissi company of Genoa; via
Albisola 68; 16163 Genova; tel. 010 711583; fax 010 712066; web site
www.tonissi.com; e mail info@tonissi.com.
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