Glenn
March 25th, 2008, 04:49 PM
I've often thought of alternative engines for aircraft with the uncertainty of the future of avgas. Check out this site: http://www.wilksch.com
They make an inverted 3 cylinder direct drive diesel engine for aircraft. The all up weight is less than 120 lbs with prop. I think that's less than an A-65. It appears as if the engine may fit in the confines of the the Mite cowl. The radiator and / or intercooler could be put in a P-51 scoop under the belly just like the Crosley Mite. You'd have a mite that flies on Jet-A, full electrics and heating system that may actually warm the cabin and would look very, very cool. They are working towards certifaction eventually.
Economy cruise at 2300 rpm yields 59 hp at 4.6 gals/hr. That may not sound great but think about this. The engine is turbo charged and can swing a c/s prop. Now imagine cruising at 2300 at 9500', toasty warm, pumping out 59hp and the prop dialed in. I see true airspeeds of 150 mph or more. I could live with that.
They make an inverted 3 cylinder direct drive diesel engine for aircraft. The all up weight is less than 120 lbs with prop. I think that's less than an A-65. It appears as if the engine may fit in the confines of the the Mite cowl. The radiator and / or intercooler could be put in a P-51 scoop under the belly just like the Crosley Mite. You'd have a mite that flies on Jet-A, full electrics and heating system that may actually warm the cabin and would look very, very cool. They are working towards certifaction eventually.
Economy cruise at 2300 rpm yields 59 hp at 4.6 gals/hr. That may not sound great but think about this. The engine is turbo charged and can swing a c/s prop. Now imagine cruising at 2300 at 9500', toasty warm, pumping out 59hp and the prop dialed in. I see true airspeeds of 150 mph or more. I could live with that.