Definition
An engine cylinder arrangement in which two banks of cylinders are mounted on a common crankcase at an angle to each other, forming a V shape when viewed from the front. Both cylinder banks drive a single crankshaft.
Plain English
A piston engine where the cylinders are split into two rows that lean away from each other, making a V shape. Both rows turn the same shaft in the middle.
Context Anchor
Seen when comparing basic reciprocating engine layouts, such as in-line, radial, opposed, and V-type engines.
Derivation
Named for the shape: the two cylinder banks form the letter V when viewed from the end of the engine.
Why Pilots Care
This layout produces a shorter and more compact engine that can deliver higher power for a given weight and length.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse the “V” in V-type with V-speeds. Here, “V” describes the engine’s physical shape, not an airspeed.
Example Sentence 1
The Allison V-1710 was a V-type engine that powered several World War II fighter aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
Compared with an inline engine, the V-type design shortens the overall length of the powerplant.