Diesel powered 337

[AussieO2]

Delta Hawk Diesel Engines, http://www.deltahawkengines.com/archives.shtml
N1700M is the 337E.

[hharney]

Delta Hawk has been testing for several years now. There should be more info on the board about this. Also, at the SOAPA meeting in Kalamazoo 2008 there was a presentation about this work that DH is doing. It pays to attend.

[Skymaster337B]

From what I can see on their web site it looks like a Diesel engine will be more expensive than a regular engine. But will the overhaul time be about the same?

[CO_Skymaster]

Does anyone know, when Thule-River talked about installing SMA diesels in a Skymasters, did they have to perform major modifications to the cowling like SMA had to do with the 182? Is there enough cooling in the Skymaster to dissipate the heat?

Karl

[WebMaster]

The front engine on a skymaster was a test bed for Continental. You may have read that Continental was sold to the Chinese. One of thing that was the impetus was additional funding for their diesel engine development.

Thule River/Super Skyrockets, looked at the SMA Diesel for the Skymaster. It was intended to increase their market for modifications. I had the good fortune to be at Osh when Marianne ( Mary Ann ?? ) the owner of Super Skyrockets spoke to the Skymaster group. It was a meeting put together by Kevin McKenzie. In any event, the SMA engine conversion was intended for the normally aspirated Skymasters. That's because the certified ceiling for the engine was 10.5K. The project never got off the ground for several reasons. First, SMA was slow to produce and respond. The Skymaster conversion was not tops on their list. Second, SMA never produced an engine designed for pusher engine installations. I spoke at length with the folks at Super Skyrocket, about the time I needed a new rear engine, and that was their response. Interestingly enough, Continental does not differentiate between tractor engine and pusher engines. Third, Super Skyrockets was looking for additional markets for their business (the Riley Conversions were not selling real well), additional conversions they could do. They did a considerable amount of work with a variety of "New Engine Technology" companies, and I think they simply got worn out trying to come up with something that was certified, or certifiable. They have since closed their doors, and it's not likely that anyone else will take up the mantle to install SMA engines in a Skymaster.

Delta Hawk, on their website, had a date for certification. That date has come and gone. Super Skyrockets looked at the Delta Hawk engine, and in fact commissioned a study for engine mounts. There was a really cool solid model of the front engine mount for the Delta Hawk engine, on the Super Skyrocket site, for a while. It had the NASTRAN load analysis associated with it. Really cool looking.

[CO_Skymaster]

Thanks for the information Larry.

There were a couple issues I didn't like about the SMA diesels on the C182. 1. The extensive cowl modifications 2. I saw a video where they were demonstrating it in flight and they couldn't pull power all the way to idle incase of a flame out. Didn't like the sound of that, what if I need to go around or make a missed approach, 3. I like the idea of FADEC, but still don't like the idea of battery back up. What if the entire electrical system fails (I've had it happen at night) and your over water. The magneto system would allow you to continue to fly until you exhaust your fuel.

I was hoping that deltahawk would have the certified engines going by now, but I'm no longer holding my breath about it. I don't know how the sale of TCM to Technify will affect us in the long term, but I'm not feeling too doomed and gloomed about it either.

Karl

[WebMaster]

I don't know where they are getting the engines, but apparently TFHAWK is serious about a diesel Skymaster. I say I don't know, because Delta Hawk Engines is still in the testing phase. It could be that TF is working with them. In any event, I have learned that they are going to produce, and soon, what they call the "Golden Hawk" conversion. Pricing is expected to be about $340K, including new props and all mods. Some of the mods make a lot of sense. They say they will have engine block heaters and fuel heat. Heating the fuel is a good thing, because Jet fuel tends to gel, and attract moisture. Those jets who have fuel heaters don't need Prist added to the fuel. Since Prist is expensive, the fuel heaters are a good thing. They also say they are going to have dual electrical systems, another good thing. If you don't have the Gear Door STC, they want to to put it on. I have mixed feelings about that, but a lot of people have them. I remember Super Skyrockets saying they did not approve, because the wheels could collect ice. I know that when we cleaned Jerry's plane, his wheels tended to collect OIL. New engines would solve that issue. They also talk about electrical heated wing de-ice. I have seen this, and I have seen this removed. I think it would be up to you.

They will also put on the Horton STOL kit, and spoilers. Both good things to have. I have flown Herb's with the Horton, and it really helps on take off and landing. Jerry has spoilers, and those are great for getting down. There will be cowling mods, of course, and an MVP engine analyzer.

The price seems steep, but I don't think it is. When I flew Owen's SkyMonster, he was talking $350K for that mod, and that didn't include all the things that TFHAWK is talking about.

Changing engines is a big undertaking, because not only do you have the cost of the engines, you also need a newly designed engine mount, and new cowlings.

Being able to run Jet A should appeal to a lot of folks, especially when you consider that in some parts of the world, 100LL is virtually unattainable. When Paul and Mary flew up the Amazon, then needed to buy 100LL in 55 gallon drums, and have them delivered to their planned fuel stop. If they were burning Jet A, it would have been readily available.

When I get more information, I'll pass it along.