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Conceptual mock-up of the Avco Lycoming stratified charge, Turbocharged rotary engine being developed in a $US30m programme aimed at attaining FAA certification by 1989. This new engine will be liquid-cooled and have alternate fuel capability. It will cost less than a gas turbine engine of comparable power, will use less fuel and offer superior altitude performance. Compared to a piston engine the rotary will have a higher power-to-weight ratio; and run smoother and its smaller frontal area will permit greater airframe design flexibility. The engine being developed initially will be in the 400hp class and weigh around 170kg.
Alternative GA Powerplants
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Alternative Engines Promise a New Era In General Aviation Propulsion
One of the most common criticisms raised against modern-day general aviation aircraft is the dormant state of engine technology. Statements to the effect that most present GA piston engines have their basic design origins before World War II are indeed difficult to counter. Moreover, these out-of-date designs are expensive to maintain and heavy ii:i fuel by comparison with their latter-generation motor vehicle cousins.
Thanks though to the worst recession in GA in living memory this situation might well be changing as technology takes a hand in developing a whole new range of powerplants ideally placed to succeed the present fleet of piston engines.
From Europe and North America comes challenges that one way or another will shape the face of GA for decades ahead. Porsche, the legendary performance car designer, is hoping to get back into aviation while Teledyne Continental with more than 25,000 engines under its belt is offering a range of liquid-cooled piston units in conjunction with a new generation of light rotaries. Not to be outdone, Avco Lycoming and John Deere have teamed to develop a range of stratified charge rotaries that will ultimately challenge the domain of the turboprop. In Australia, we could even see one of the new Sarich units marketed by Orbital Engine Technology and backed by BHP becoming involved in aviation.
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