Two Austrian engine makers are developing a 280-horsepower diesel engine for the general-aviation market. They say it will be the most powerful diesel-aircraft engine available, and it also will burn the standard jet fuel used by turbine aircraft, which is much more widely available than aviation gasoline.
Austro Engine joined Steyr Motors to develop a lightweight version of the Steyr M1 diesel widely used in the marine and special-use market. The aircraft version is slated for a pair of composite aircraft that Diamond Aircraft, another Austrian firm, has in the works.
The new six-cylinder engine will offer 110 horsepower more than the current engine used by Diamond. Austro Engine is developing the diesel mill for for Diamond's new DA50 (pictured), a single-engine airplane with five seats that is aimed at the popular Cirrus SR22.
The more powerful diesel is also intended for a new twin-engine airplane being developed by Diamond and known only by the ambiguous name of FSA, or Future Small Aircraft.
Diesels are gaining popularity in the aviation world because of their efficiency and ability to burn Jet-A, the same fuel used by jets. Most piston-powered aircraft burn a special version of gasoline known as 100LL (low-lead). It is hard to find in many parts of the world, especially in remote corners, and tends to be more expensive than jet fuel.
Diamond Aircraft has been a leader in using diesels. In the United States the company's current twin-engine airplane, the DA42, is available with smaller, four-cylinder engines. In Europe the company's single-engine aircraft, the DA40, is also available with diesel power.
Diamond plans on flying the new engine on a DA50 later this year.
Photo: Diamond Aircraft
