WAM 120-Powered Plane Flies From Dallas On Three GPH!

And here, we thought the idea of a Cessna 172 powered by Jet-A was a curious -- and cool -- notion. On Saturday, IndUS Aviation debuted the world's first Light Sport Aircraft to be powered by a diesel engine.

A company pilot flew the WAM 120-equipped Thorpedo from IndUS's headquarters in Dallas, TX to Lakeland, FL. According to IndUS representatives, the three-cylinder, 120-horsepower engine burned three gallons of Jet-A per hour on the trip.

"This engine has been flying in a Thorp for almost four years now," said Dr. Ram Pattisapu, president and CEO of IndUS Aircraft. "It’s quiet and has unbelievable climb performance even at altitude. At 14,000 ft. it’s still climbing at 500 fpm!"

IndUS manufactures the Thorpedo, a derivative of the Thorp T211 Sky Skooter. The aircraft was originally FAA type-certified by its designer John Thorp, who also designed the Piper Cherokee. The regular IndUS Thorpedo S-LSA is powered by six-cylinder Jabiru 3300. The design was recently streamlined, including a new nose cowl, wingtips, and numerous modifications firewall forward.

The 120 horsepower WAM 120 engine is expected to provide significant cost savings in operating costs, as well as for an overhaul: the TBO is projected to be ultimately at 3000 hours. After unveiling and flying its proof-of-concept airplane at Lakeland, IndUS plans to certify its diesel-powered Thorpedo by Oshkosh this year.

"We’ve already had incredible interest all over America in the new diesel-powered Thorpedo," Pattisapu said. "We’re going to offer a simple version of the aircraft, which is what the flight training organizations are telling us they want. There will also be a very well equipped version, for the pilots who are ready to fly right now."

FMI: www.indusav.com