OPOC

abbreviationStandard termAutomotive

An engine design featuring opposed cylinders where two pistons share a single combustion chamber.

Opposed piston opposed cylinder. An internal combustion engine architecture that places two cylinders horizontally opposite each other, with two pistons in each cylinder moving in opposite directions. This layout eliminates the cylinder head and valvetrain, relying on ports uncovered by the pistons, which can improve power density and thermal efficiency.

Heard on the job

The military was looking at OPOC diesel engines for tanks because of their low profile and high power output.