Diamond aircraft had these engines [or another one labeled the same] and had
to drop them. Couldn't get support. But the engine was OK. Good fuel mileage
[burn in aircraft terms]

Mike

On 1/22/10 7:40 PM, "Anthony Egeln" <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

> 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)