The radial engine is a configuration of the internal combustion engine, in which the cylinders are arranged pointing out from a central crankshaft like the spokes on a wheel. This configuration was formerly very commonly used in aircraft engines before being superseded by turboshaft and turbojet engines. The Radial Engine is a type of reciprocating engine.
The cylinders are connected to the crankshaft with a master-and-articulating-rod assembly. One cylinder has a master rod with a direct attachment to the crankshaft. The remaining cylinders' connecting rods have pinned attachments to rings around the edge of the master rod (see animation). Four-stroke radials almost always have an odd number of cylinders, so that a consistent every-other-piston firing order can be maintained, providing smooth running.
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