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Russell Bourke was trained as an instructor in engines and maintenance by the Army Air Force during Word War I.  He witnessed many aircraft of that era crashing with the pilot surviving the crash, but then was incinerated by the fuel fed fire. He thought there must be a safer fuel for aircraft than gasoline. After the war, Russell started studying every book he could find on hydrocarbon chemistry and engine design. On the completion of his studies, he started the design work for an engine that would run on detonation based on the discovery of the explosive wave by M. Berthalot. He compeleted and ran the Silver Eagle (4 cylinder radial with 3 moving parts) on October 29, 1932.

Russell atempted to commercialize his invention in the years following the completion of the Silver Eagle (4 cylinder with 3 moving parts) in 1932. The laws that existed at that time would not allow the use of his engine in an aircraft. The 30 cubic inch vertical crankshaft engine was designed for outboard motor use (eventually mounted on a 60 horse power Evinrude lower unit) and was tested on his boat Popeye for 2,000 hours of marine use. He pre-sold many of his 30 c.i.d. units based on cost estimates that would give him a profit at a $600 sale price. When he tallied up all his expenses, each engine cost him over $1,200 to manufacture. In 1958 Russell sent letters to all the major automobile manufacturers, to the mayors of San Francisco and Los Angeles and to Governor Brown of California in an attempt to arouse interest. All replies were negative, effectively killing any attempts to commercialize his invention.

A one off Bourke Engine would cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,00 without a fuel system. A one off  electronic fuel injection system could potentially cost another $50,00 to $100,000. The vacturi lift carburetor was the only carburetor that Russell Bourke found that provided a consistent air fuel ratio throughout the speed range and could be redeveloped for use on this engine.

Carefully read the contents of this website. Download the Bourke Engine documentary. Study, study, study. Help from the Bourke Engine Project, LLC can be obtained through an agreement.

Contents of our previous website were pirated by individuals for their personal gain. Any of the content within this website can be used by an other entity providing they meet the terms and conditions as described in our PERMISSION FORM. The purpose of this website is to educate the world about the benefits of the Bourke Engine, which if adopted, can give us a head start on trying to save our world.