Sun, May 04, 2003
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.
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