Hello List.....

Tonight I was reading about the new MQ-1C Sky Warrior drone, the successor to the famous Predator UAV.  Here's a quote from Wikipedia about its engine:

"is powered by a Thielert Centurion 1.7 Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE).[3] This is a diesel piston engine that burns jet fuel, giving the aircraft better performance at high altitudes. It will be capable of operating for 36 hours at altitudes up to 25,000 feet (7,600 m),[1] with an operating range of 200 nautical miles (400 km).[4]"

Wow.....a diesel aircraft engine!  My mind started to turn, thinking about a lightweight, yet powerful diesel engine.....Hmmmm?  Vanagon conversion?

My reverie continued with the Wiki link to "Aircraft Diesel Engine", and guess what....many of these engines under development today are opposed piston engines, i.e. pancake engines.  Hmmm?  Suitable replacement for the WBX?  Powered by bio-diesel?

Only if you have very deep pockets....but over time these things do come down in price, and who knows, perhaps someday the technology will become available for automotive uses....even in North America.

Cheers, Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)