The long-suffering folks of DeltaHawk, Inc. have announced the first flight of a manned aircraft powered by their arduously developed 160 horsepower, jet-fueled, diesel aircraft engine.

A Model DH160V4 powerplant weighing just over 300 pounds, mounted in a Velocity RG aircraft, lifted off from John H. Batten Airport in Racine (WI), Saturday, at 12:01 PM.

During the 38 minute flight, test pilot and Chief engineer Doug Doers reached an altitude of 5500 feet and achieved a maximum airspeed of 140 knots. The flight proceeded exactly as expected with the engine "performing flawlessly."

This First Flight marks a pivotal point in DeltaHawks seven-year engine development program. The engine, designed and built in the U.S., was conceived as a modern, cost effective replacement for gasoline fueled aircraft engines designed in the post World War II era.

The DeltaHawk engine operates on a wide range of internationally available turbine and heavy fuels in place of more expensive and less available aviation gasoline while providing significantly better fuel economy. Other advantages claimed by DeltaHawk include fewer parts, ease of maintenance, and full power output up to 10,000 feet.

The engine is currently being delivered to Experimental Aircraft developers and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) customers for flight-testing and will be commercially available to Experimental aircraft builders in early 2004. The company will also seek prompt FAA certification.

DeltaHawk, Inc. is a privately funded, Wisconsin based Company founded for the purpose of development and marketing of lightweight diesel engines for aviation and industry.

FMI: www.deltahawkengines.com