KI-GASS Fuel Primer Cork Back Coaster

Sale price$6.19 USD

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The Ki-Gass primer button was a manually operated fuel primer system used to inject fuel directly into the intake manifold or cylinders of aircraft engines to assist with starting, particularly in cold conditions. The term "Ki-Gass" comes from Kigass Ltd., a British company that designed and manufactured these systems during the early and mid-20th century.

Ki-Gass primers were widely fitted to British and Commonwealth aircraft during World War II, including famous planes like the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Avro Lancaster. The primer allowed pilots to deliver a measured amount of fuel into the engine to help initiate combustion during the start-up process. Its reliability and effectiveness made it a standard feature in many piston-engine aircraft, especially those operating in harsh climates where cold starts could be challenging. The Ki-Gass system was simple yet vital for ensuring operational readiness in wartime aviation.