Twin-plug set-ups on an aircraft form part of two separate ignition systems (twin magnetos, two sets of plugs, etc) so that should one system fail, the other will allow the engine to run. Before you take off in a light aircraft with twin magnetos, you always carry out a 'mag drop' test: watch the engine rpm as you shut off first one and then the other magneto. If all is well, the engine rpm will drop slightly by exactly the same amount in each case, showing that both systems are working OK. The rpm drop is because fuel is being burnt less efficiently on just one plug...
On a car engine, twin plugs result in a cleaner burn, primarily allowing the engine to run more cam overlap without wasting fuel.
Thanks dude - I kinda thought that was the reason but I didn't say in case I was wrong
I have noticed that Light Aircraft have 2 "MAG" switches,
Is there any particular reason its never been used extensivly in road/race applications
I know SOME cars/companies have used the idea ie Porsche