With the first aircraft powered by its lightweight turbine engine now flying, US firm Innodyn has started development of a twin-turbine version. The TwinPack, with two turbines driving though a common gearbox, will cover the 320-450shp (240-335kW) range, and is aimed at replacing higher-power piston engines.
Innodyn’s first turbine engine is available in four versions covering the 165-255shp range, and initial production engines are flying on Smith Aviation’s PA-18 Super Cub kitplane as well as Rans RV-4 and helicopter homebuilts. High-performance kitplane manufacturer Lancair is interested in offering the TwinPack, says Bill Brady, manager of the Pennsylvania-based engine company.
Self-funded development of the TwinPack is expected to take about a year and, like the single turbine, the engine will only be offered for experimental-category aircraft initially.
Source: Flight International
