Why the US Navy would reject a maintenance-heavy piston engine

Severe reliability problems and frequent cylinder replacement would push the US Navy toward another engine, as short-lived aircraft programs showed when a troublesome powerplant imposed too much operational cost.

Question

How would the US Navy handle a powerful piston engine with severe reliability problems and frequent cylinder replacement?

Short answer

It would probably select another engine or aircraft rather than sustain the maintenance burden, especially when a reliable alternative was available.

Notes

An intensive maintenance regime does not solve a fundamentally unreliable engine when alternatives are available. The Navy can select another powerplant rather than accept frequent cylinder changes and low readiness. Aircraft using the troublesome engine family show the consequences: one program was cancelled after prototypes, while the Martin Mauler entered limited service but was replaced after only about two years. The Douglas Skyraider's availability made continued investment in the more troublesome design still less attractive. Engineering reliability directly affects fleet availability, logistics, and procurement survival.