AC-DC
The market/development situation for these engines are as follows:
1 SMA-Morane-Renault have stated that production should start in 2001, the engines are fully developed but certification process is still ongoing and pricing has not been fixed. They will be looking for opertators who do a lot of hrs each yr and who are prepared to help with further testing of engines under actual operating conditions (flt schools or freight operators) - MAF would be ideal in this case as they are seeking those working in difficult conditions such as extreme hot or sold climates.
2 Wilksch Airmotive (UK) -
http://www.wilksch.com have taken deposits for 2001 production bookings - they want to gain experience in the homebuilt market (e.g the PFA) before tackling certification in order to have something far better and more thoroughly tested than regulations require.
3 Diesel Air (UK)
http://www.dair.co.uk have no date for production but have stated that the public category engines will have to be replaced with zero-timed engines at TBO - initially recommending 1000hrs between strip and interval but hope to achieve 3000 hrs TBO eventually
4 Teledyne Continental (NASA)
http://www.tcmlink.com/about/briefs.html have stated their engines will be available for production in 2003
5 Textron Lycomming & Detroit diesel
http://www.lycoming.textron.com/pres...diesel_jv.html claimed that (after contact) additional development and improvement is needed.
6 Deltahawk
http://www.deltahawkengines.com will start production in 2003
7 Zoche
http://www.zoche.de/diesels.htm will start production in 2003
The main problem facing the manufacturers is that of certification this is because of the lack of any magnetos or spark plugs. The FAA are working closely with JAA to write new regulations to cover these engines with no ignition system and with ECUs as well as the single lever control.
The initial price will be expensive and the TBO low until experience is gained which can take years. This is a risk that MAF may not want to take as the piston engines they are currently operating have well proven reliability.