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Technology update
Diesel Air focuses on fuel economy
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Diesel Air's DAIR 100 focuses on fuel economy.
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In the UK, an aviation diesel program is under way. Diesel Air has announced that it is developing a 100 hp two-cycle engine, the DAIR 100, with the design focus on fuel economy. The company reports that it has designed, built, and tested - for more than 1000 hours - several prototypes. Like SMA, it is planning a "family" of engines but with a maximum output of 600 hp. This first engine resembles a flat four or "boxer" engine, but has only two cylinders, each with two pistons. The engine has two outboard crankshafts connected by gears to the propeller drive and accessories. According to the company, this flat plane layout ensures that the engine can be easily retrofitted in place of the popular Continental or Lycoming engines, using the same mounting points in many cases. The engine has liquid cooling for durability and the avoidance of "shock-cooling." It has single-lever control, eliminating separate fuel mixture and carburetor heat controls. Starting is via an integrated electric starter.
Diesel Air says work is progressing to refine the engine's performance and bring it to production status prior to flight trials. It is plans to release a small batch of engines under PFA (Popular Flying Association) regulations for customer evaluation. The company adds that the first customer for the new engine is Airship Technologies Ltd., who will use the engine in a vectored-thrust propulsion unit. The company feels that the diesel engine offers the best specific fuel consumption of any prime mover, with the two-stroke cycle giving the best efficiency in that class. The engine will run on Avtur or diesel fuel.
Stuart Birch
Diesel Air power unit assembly drawing.
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