Alpha-sensor in exhaust of Klimov M-105 - a standard feature

[Kari Lumppio]

Hello!

In the book about bombers used by Finnish Air Force (Jukka Raunio: Lentäjän näkökulma IV, ISBN 951-96866-2-2) it is mentioned that for leaning purposes (IIRC) Pe-2 engine had alpha sensors in exhaust channels. The sensors measure CO (carbon monoxide) amount and were apparently used for getting the fuel/air mixture right.

Was these sensors standard feature of Klimov M-105 engine? Or were those found only on bombers (=Pe-2)? I guess they were legacy from Pe-2 intended orginal career of high altitude interceptor. Does anyone know?

BTW How did the auto-lean function work on US radial engines? Did it use any sensors on exhaust channels? As I understood it on the M-105 leaning had to be performed by the pilot manually.


Cheers,
Kari



(PS I am not usually that interested in motor technology, but the lambda-sensor of my car broke down and the topic of older technology - alpha sensor - sort of popped out when I tried to find info about lambda-sensors on Internet...)