DeltaHawk is developing a six-cylinder, 350-horsepower, compression-ignition engine designed to run on jet fuel, the company announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin company’s 200- and 235-horsepower engines are expected to receive FAA approval for installation in some standard category aircraft this year.
A Cirrus SR20, a Van's RV–14, and a Velocity V-Twin now flying with DeltaHawk engines are on display at the world’s largest aviation event.
Kyle Fosso, founder of Bushliner, said the utility aircraft his company is building in Washington will be the first to use DeltaHawk’s 350-horsepower engine. DeltaHawk anticipates FAA certification of the new engine in 2027. Fosso said Bushliner plans to build both experimental and FAA-certified versions of its aircraft.
“We’re building a global airframe and kerosene-based fuel is available worldwide,” Fosso said. “It’s the only option in some areas.”
DeltaHawk says its engines are lighter than air-cooled piston engines; consume about 40 percent less fuel per hour; and deliver significant increases in speed, range, service ceiling, payload, and endurance.