Textron Lycoming and Detroit Diesel have launched development of a diesel aero-engine for general aviation aircraft. A prototype 150kW(200hp) turbocharged engine is under test at Lycoming, but a timescale for development and certification has yet to be determined.
Both companies say they are pursuing the aero-diesel programme "with full production as a goal", and will establish a schedule "...once further technical feasibility and intense market research studies have been conducted".
Rival piston-engine manufacturer Teledyne Continental has already embarked on development of a 150kW diesel powerplant with NASA funding, under the General Aviation Propulsion programme. Flight testing of Continental's CSM 283 is planned for next year, leading to certification in 2001. In Europe, Renault and Socata are already flight testing a diesel.
Lycoming president Jim Koerner says "-the time is right and the market is ready" for diesels. He cites the wide availability of jet diesel fuel, compared with aviation gasoline, the increased fuel efficiency of diesels and "significant" reductions in the dry weight of the engine using new lighter alloys. Diesel engines are typically viewed as efficient, but heavy.
Lycoming has introduced the AEIO-580, a 240kW piston engine for aerobatic aircraft, producing 7% more power than the AEIO-540 it replaces. The first application of the engine is on the Walter Extra 300.
Source: Flight International
