Aero-Diesels are coming

[Betzel]

I had mentioned this in another post and can't post to the "news" forum somehow, so here it is.

Unfortunately, a few of the AOPA articles are members-only and you must be a member to view them. The general idea is that Avaiation is also excited about new diesel technology (and you thought it was cold in Canada)...and wants to replace old avgas engines with them in the future. Some are two-strokers!

http://www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/2001/diesel0111.html

http://www.aopa.org/pilot/features/future0008.html

 

[SoTxBill]

since most of us cant read the articles, what do they do about jelling from the cold temps at altitude??

thanks Bill

 

[Kubla84]

Since jets fly at high altitude, Jet A flows at really low temps like -50C, pour point is not a problem.
I have been warned that jet A does nasty things to a TDI's fuel pump

 

[Kubla84]

the main reason that it takes so long is the cost of certifiation of a new engine for aviation use and the fact that most airplane owners are very conservative when it comes to new engines, they just think that a proven design might just be better when you only have one and you need to count on it
it will take Cessna coming out with a diesel powered 172 (or equivelent) from the factory to get the engines accepted here

 

[jayb79]

Here is a photo of a radial 2 stroke turbo diesel version.

Here is a link to the page.

Zoche Aero-Diesel

Check out the test bench video that shows this thing running its awsome. It is about a 2 meg file so it takes a few mins to load but its worth it.

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: jayb79 ]</p>

 

[godlike242]

that thing kicks ass.. i have no need for it, but it would be cool just for the sound it makes..

 

[Powder Hound]

So don't run Jet A in your TDI!

The reason diesels are being considered for aviation uses are multi-fold. First and foremost, the availability of 100ll avgas is going to become severely limited in a few years. Next, you have better economy. Next, it is easier to find Jet A all over the world, and it is usually much cheaper when you do. Add in the increased longevity (well, maybe) and reliability (very important) of a 2-stroke engine, and you get a very good prospect for a new engine.

The only question is when will said engines be available for the general public to buy and stuff into their experimental (i.e. homebuilt) aircraft, or come in a production general aviation machine? While there are a few companies who have announced projects to build them, some of the companies are still working, some of them have given up, and some are looking for more investment money. And while there are a few of them who might sell you one now, they are generally underpowered and overweight.

And, the guys who are still working on the engine keep telling you that it is still a couple of years away from the market. That is year after year after year - the same story.

Oh, well.

 

[car54]

I would throw that lycoming crap out the door in a second for this!