19 May 2023
DeltaHawk Engines has finally received FAA Type Certification for its unusual, jet-fuel burning aircraft piston engine.
The 180 horsepower DHK180 is the first of a family of engines to come from the US manufacturer.
The DH180 has an inverted Vee engine block, with both turbocharging and supercharging, plus mechanical fuel injection, liquid cooling, direct drive.
DeltaHawk claims its clean-sheet design has 40% fewer moving parts than other engines in its category, plus more usable torque while burning significantly less fuel.
“We began by completely reimagining what a general aviation engine should be,” said Christopher Ruud, Chief Executive Officer at DeltaHawk.
“And the result is that we now have a certified engine that is a game-changer.
“It’s been a long time coming but, in engineering, simple is hard. However, this engine’s performance, simplicity, and reliability have made it worth the time and the investment, as it is truly ‘Power Reimagined’.”
DeltaHawk says it has interest from airframe manufacturers, kit builders and the military. In addition, the new engine was recently selected by NASA to power the hybrid propulsion system planned for its Subsonic Single Aft Engine Aircraft (SUSAN) scale flight test vehicle.
Production ramp-up has begun, and production slot reservations are now being taken online at the company’s website. First engine deliveries are expected to commence in 2024.
202 cu in/3.3 ltr capacity
4 cylinders
Compression ignition
Piston Ported, Turbo and Supercharged, Intercooled
Dry weight 357 lb/162 kg (includes starter, turbo, exhaust, alternator)
Dimensions (LxWxH) 33 in x 24 in x 22 in/84 cm x 61 cm x 56 cm
Power @ 2600rpm 180 hp/134.2 kW
Torque 363 ft-lbf/492 Nm @ 2600 rpm
Max rpm 2700
Fuel Types
Jet A & Jet A-1 Certification Fuels Will burn JP5, JP8, D1, D2, JP-8-100, F-24
The DeltaHawk Engines, Inc. team gathered to celebrate FAA certification. We are excited to achieve this milestone and acknowledge all of the hard work that came before this moment to get DeltaHawk Engines here.#team pic.twitter.com/mHsVsDulIQ
— DeltaHawk Engines (@DeltaHawkEngine) June 5, 2023
