Multi-engine assembly

In a multi-engine assembly of the type having a plurality of internal combustion engines each having a drive shaft, a common output shaft, and selective power transfer means for coupling said drive shaft to said output shaft;

• the improvement wherein said power transfer means comprises hydro-dynamic transmission means having a rotatable housing, a pair of separate output turbines fixedly mounted in said housing, a pair of input impellers rotatably mounted in said housing in alignment with said separate turbines for fluid coupling therebetween, means coupling each input impeller to the output shaft of a separate engine, a mechanical interconnection direct drive means coupled between said housing and said output shaft for continuously coupling said output turbines to said output shaft, a corresponding plurality of fluid pumps directly and continuously coupled to and driven by said output shaft, separate valve means for connecting each of said fluid pumps to an associated power transfer means for selectively providing fluid coupling between corresponding impellers and turbines, and at least one starting motor for one of said internal combustion engines.