Manufacturers Cite Increased Range, Fuel Availability & Better Performance At Altitude

With several major aircraft and engine manufacturers recently announcing the development of new diesel aircraft engines, the general aviation industry in the United States appears to be entering a new diesel evolution phase, said Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

In just the past month, aircraft and engine manufacturers like Cessna, Continental Motors, American Champion Aircraft, Lycoming and DeltaHawk Engines have announced new diesels for general aviation aircraft in the U.S., Schaeffer said.

"Having major aircraft and engine manufacturers like Cessna and Continental Motors make strong commitments to diesel engines is a major step in the future expansion of diesel technology in a new arena," Schaeffer said.

"The same attributes that have made diesel engines the power behind virtually all modes of surface transportation now has the potential to transition the future of the aviation industry.

"The manufacturers are reporting the new diesel engines have lower fuel consumption and increased range and better performance at altitude – some very significant improvements that are being welcomed by the general aviation industry.  The industry is also facing an increased scarcity of 100 low-lead avgas, not only in the U.S., but also in the European and Asian markets, where diesel fuel is readily available, as it is in the United States.

"All of these factors have many analysts predicting the widespread adoption of diesel engines throughout general aviation," Schaeffer said.  "Some are even suggesting the increased fuel efficiency and lead-free emissions from new diesel engines may be the biggest change in light aircraft engines in many years."

"Today, diesel technology powers the most diverse spectrum of equipment ranging from the world's largest construction machinery, passenger and race cars, cruise and cargo ships, agricultural equipment, trucks and buses, and even submarines," Schaeffer said.  "It's fitting that diesel technology is now accelerating its advancement into general aviation and even in the use of unmanned aerial systems.

"It's interesting that the new developments in aviation are very similar to America's light duty vehicle market where major automobile manufacturers are introducing numerous new clean diesels in the U.S. market and the diesel market share is showing steady month-to-month growth.  And like the aviation industry, auto makers and drivers are saying diesels popularity is based on the better fuel efficiency, better range per tank of fuel, and better performance over gasoline vehicles."

FMI: www.dieselforum.org