BW,
Apparently Cirrus tested an SMA diesel with the SR-22. Didn't go into production, with compatibility/mating problems being cited. Thielert (TAE) is a possibility, since they are developing a 260-310hp version of the Centurion 1.7.
Unfortunately Thielert's engines have been having some teething problems (coolant loss & corrosion) which might make Cirrus think twice, although the issues have been fixed by upgrading the engines.
Personally I hope diesel/Jet A1 engines entirely replace Avgas burning museum pieces, giving us better reliability, SFC, TBO (TBR in the case of Thielert) and a huge reduction in emission and noise levels.
Not forgetting a 60%+ decrease in fuel bills!
Conf
Last edited by Confabulous; 18th December 2004 at 18:04.