Could this be the future?

[Whitebear]

http://www.centurion-engines.com/


The jet fuel aircraft engine CENTURION 1.7 is already certified in Europe to JAR-E/CS-E for jet fuel and diesel (EN590). The validation to FAR 33 for the US-market was issued in October 2003. Additionally on 28 October 2004 our 350 HP V8 jet fuel engine CENTURION 4.0 was certified. Recently we have announced the development of the CENTURION 3.2 with 230 hp.


Weight has to be a factor and I dont see anything mentioned about that yet but hey its a reality.

Scotty

 

[Whitebear]

The GAP Diesel Engine
The jet-fueled GAP diesel engine will make possible outstanding new propulsion systems for entry-level aircraft. Such aircraft are usually characterized by a single engine, up to four seats, cruise speeds of 200 knots or less, and easy, well-mannered handling.

The GAP program goal for piston engines was to reduce engine prices by half while eliminating the need for leaded gasoline and substantially improving reliability, maintainability, ease of use, and passenger comfort. To achieve this goal, Teledyne Continental Motors and it's industry team (Aerosance, Cirrus Design, Hartzell Propeller, Lancair, and Mod Works) partnered with NASA Glenn to develop a highly advanced piston engine, the GAP diesel engine. Diesel engines are known for being reliable but have been considered too heavy for use in general aviation. Combining the two-stroke operating cycle with innovative, lightweight construction makes the GAP diesel engine competitive with current piston aircraft engines.

The GAP diesel engine, combined with advanced-design low-speed propellers (from related NASA-industry research), offers very quiet operation for both passengers and airport neighbors. Additionally, the new engine is very economical to operate. It has been designed to burn readily available jet fuel at a low fuel consumption rate of about 25 percent less than current engines.

This engine provides pilots and passengers with the same kind of quiet, easy-to-use power that we have come to expect in our automobiles. There is no fuel-air mixture or propeller pitch control for pilots to contend with. A single power lever controls the engine and propeller automatically, much like the gas pedal of a car with an automatic transmission. Other special design features ensure extremely smooth, vibration-free operation. And because the GAP diesel's unique design allows use of low-cost mass production manufacturing methods, engine cost could be half that of current aircraft piston engines.

Image below: Revolutionary diesel engine developed in the GAP program. Credit: NASA

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/fs01grc.html


Scotty

 

[Olf Art]

Both engines are using a gearbox. The first appears to be a low compression version of a Chevy LS-6, while the second is an all new design, a diesel.
The advantage to both is less fire danger. Jet fuel is a first cousin to kerosene.

The cost alone for either of them would probably be enough to have two new complete airboats built out in Orange, TX but still somebody is thinkin. Pretty stuff.

 

[COLD]

I remember we got a new 90KVA GPU that we couldn't get 90 KVA out of, turns out the manufacture set it up for JET A, What a difference! ran lousy on diesel. Just have to set the pump up, diesel hot rod fuel! 8)