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Old 20th May 2005, 23:29
  #62 (permalink)  
3top
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: mostly in the jungle...
Age: 59
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If you want to make Diesels for helicopters you will need a minimum of 180 hp at no more than a Lycosaurus's weight - at that weight it will not last 2000 hrs - not even 500.
Not counting for the heavier clutch/damper/trans you need to deal with the sharp torque spikes with every power stroke...
For anything bigger than a R22 you will need more likely 300hp at some time in the performance charts.
Again the only Diesel close to these numbers is the German Thielert V8 with a max cont. power of 250 or 260 hp at 600lbs!!

However if Diesel or better Jet-A burning is good enough for you, watch for the Swiss Mistral-Engines.
If they pull off their 1st certification this year or next, I bet you will see a 360 hp Jet-A burning 3 rotor-turbo engine within 4 years! 3000 hr TBO at no more than $10000.- of todays value (for the overhaul!! Compare that to a Lycoming...), at a weight of no more than a Lyc 540!

3top



Last edited by 3top; 14th Jun 2005 at 13:22.
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