V Aircraft Engines' Bambardier V300T powered Murphy SR3500 "Moose" is scheduled to fly during the manufacturer's show case flights on Sunday, August 1 at the AirVenture Airshow in Oshkosh (WI)

By ANN Contributor Christopher Armstrong

V Aircraft Engines is the North American distributor for Bombardier V-6 aircraft engines. Their demonstrator aircraft, a Murphy SR3500 "Moose" 4 place taildragger, is powered by their V300T 300 horse power turbocharged engine. The demonstrator was flown in (burning just about 10 GPH over one particular six hour leg) and is on display at AirVenture.

The V220 and V300T programs began in 1996 when Bombardier decided to develop engines for the certified aircraft market. The engines were initially intended to provide 200 horsepower naturally aspirated and 280 horsepower turbocharged. When the engines performed better than expected during initial testing power was raised to the 280 and 300 horsepower of the current engines. The engine's high performance is achieved using technology and materials that were unavailable when the traditional horizontally opposed engines were developed.

The 120 degree V-6 engine configuration is a smaller, lighter engine that can fit into lower drag cowlings. The ignition sequence is symmetrical, with each cylinder firing 120 degree after the previous cylinder resulting in very smooth power delivery which reduces vibration.  A balance shaft on the bottom of the engine is used to further reduce vibration. The straight, pin-type crankshaft journals used in the V-6 results in a shorter and stiffer crankshaft which reduces the possibility of torsional vibration.

The engines use dual channel engine management systems (EMS) with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). When compared to the fixed timing of magnetos and the fuel vaporization and mixture control of carbureted or mechanical, low pressure fuel injection, The FADEC provides greater power and efficiency without requiring constant monitoring by the pilot. 

This EMS manages propeller pitch and other elements of engine operation not usually controlled by the EMS in piston aircraft engines. The EMS automatically provides an optimum fuel mix by constantly measuring the manifold pressure, ambient pressure, engine speed and throttle positioning, and calculating the appropriate fuel injection timing for each cycle and cylinder.

The control and monitoring done by the EMS directly reduces pilot workload, resulting in easier, safer, more efficient flight. The EMS collects engine parameters to be shown on Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Primary Flight Displays (PFDs). The EMS records engine data so that rapid and efficient computer diagnostics can provide error and fault codes.  Troubleshooting traditional engines usually requires disassembly and examination of the engine or engine components.

Traditional aircraft engines require leaded AVGAS. The EMS allows the option of using automotive gas safely and efficiently in the Bombardier V220 and V300T. Automotive gas is significantly less expensive then AVGAS, and the less toxic unleaded fuel is better for the environment and for those who have to handle it.

The use of a Propeller Speed Reduction Unit (PSRU) reduces propeller noise while allowing the engine to spin faster, producing more power. PSRU's add weight and complexity compared to traditional direct drive engines. When properly designed a PSRU can be as durable as the engine to which it is connected. A muffler is integrated into the exhaust system.  These features make the V Aircraft Engines quieter then traditional aircraft engines. The V Aircraft Engines meet the stringent piston aircraft noise regulations found in Europe.

V220 and V300T engines are subject to less damaging thermal shock than traditional air-cooled aircraft engines. V Aircraft Engines operate at nearly constant temperatures, quick performance and altitude changes do not put any thermal stresses on the engine. Operation with leanest fuel preparation for the best fuel efficiency reduced emissions, especially carbon monoxide automotive-type cabin heating, which means no carbon monoxide in the cockpit. With all the advanced technology designed into these engines, they have several advantages over traditional engines. When these engines are certified they will give airframe manufacturers significant performance advantages over old technology engines.

FMI: http://www.vaircraftengines.com