Julian Moxon/Paris
Technology validation of the new four cylinder light aircraft diesel engine, under development by Morane Renault, has been completed. "We're moving into the certification phase now," says programme manager Luc Pelon.
The 150kW (200hp) MR200 engine, flying aboard a Socata TB20 Trinidad, has recently been taken to an altitude of 6,300m (19,000ft) - a limit imposed by the lack of pressurisation on the TB20 (the pilot uses an oxygen mask) and air traffic control constraints. "The test has left us confident of this engine's ability to go to 25,000ft with no difficulty," says Pelon.
"Today, we have absolutely no problems with the engine," he adds. He says that potential customers are "-less interested in the up-front cost of the powerplant than in the time to recover the initial investment". Ownership costs of the Morane Renault will be around 30% less than for a conventional engine, Pelon claims, while diesel fuel is around three times less expensive than Avgas.
He concedes that most interest is coming from North America and Canada, "-although we're seeing it from many other areas as well". Certification is planned for the first quarter of 1999, by which time bench tests will have built up 1,000h of running time.
A new company, Société de Motorisations Aeronautiques, has been formed to develop, market and support the planned range of 134-223kW engines, which are aimed at both retrofit and new aircraft markets.
Depending on the type, the cost is expected to be between $40,000 and $75,000.
Source: Flight International
