Radial vs in-line engines

[Sternjaeger II]

the debate Radial VS Inline is as old as the planes they were installed onto.

They both come with pros and cons, here are the most common ones:

Radial PROs
Very high TBO/extremely dependable
Resistent to damage/gives protection to pilot
air cooled, no need for cooling ducts/radiators etc
huge displacement/HP

Radial CONs
lotsa drag/bad forward visibility
oil thirsty
strong gyroscopic torque (the rotating crankshaft counterweight and big prop blades can cause the plane to torque itself out of delicate situations like pre-stall if full throttle is applied, still present on inline engines, but not as strong)
avgas thirsty
needs big supercharger
heavy

Inline PROs
streamlined engine
lighter than radial
more fuel efficient
lighter superchager
better fwd visibility

Inline CONs
needs liquid cooling/radiators
more susceptible to damage (can't fly with one or more pistons damaged)
shorter TBO


I suppose it's down to pilot's preferences and for the tasks assigned.

One of the bigger question marks in the history of warfare for me was the use of Mustangs in Korea, when P-47s would have probably done a better job.