Historical importance of Perkins’ Wolf engine recognised by the IMechE

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has presented Perkins with a plaque to commemorate the historical importance of one of its pioneering products.

The Engineering Heritage Award recognised the Perkins Wolf engine, designed by Charles Wallace Chapman, as being the first high-speed diesel engine.

Available for light truck and passenger car use from 1933, the Wolf, with its patented Perkins ‘Aeroflow’ combustion system would run at 3,000 rpm.

“The success of Perkins Engines was founded upon this engine”, states the IMechE plaque.

Since the inauguration of the Heritage Awards in early 2008 a number have already been made to iconic engineering 'firsts' including, recently, the new Tornado steam locomotive and the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

At a special ceremony in April 2009 held in the company’s heritage centre, James Hobbs, IMechE director of marketing and communications, presented the award to Perkins president Gwenne Henricks.

Speaking at the event which was attended by members of the Perkins Heritage Group, who put the Wolf engine forward for consideration by the IMechE, Gwenne said: “This award, kindly presented by the IMechE, recognizes the historical importance of the Wolf engine, one of the founding fathers of the Perkins engine range.

“This recognition for the Wolf engine is highly prized by Perkins and the plaque will take pride of place in our Heritage Centre, of which we are very proud.”

The Engineering Heritage Award has been displayed alongside the oldest functioning Wolf engine, installed in an emergency generator.