What is one purpose of the dual ignition system on an aircraft engine?

The dual ignition system in aircraft engines primarily serves to enhance engine reliability and performance. One of its main purposes is to ensure that if one ignition source fails, the other can continue to ignite the air-fuel mixture, allowing the engine to function effectively without significant performance loss. This redundancy not only improves engine reliability but can also lead to better performance under certain conditions, as the dual ignitions can help ensure a more consistent and complete combustion process.

While other aspects like uniform heat distribution, balanced cylinder head pressure, and enhanced fuel efficiency may be indirectly affected by the dual ignition system, they are not the primary functions of this technology. The dual ignition system's focus is fundamentally on ensuring reliable operation and maintaining optimal performance of the engine, thereby justifying its importance in aviation safety and performance standards.