Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges of turbine engine installation on small aircraft. The work was a part of the European Union project Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft, FP7 EU – Activity, 7.1.4. improving cost efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Few of the most interesting issues associated with replacing a piston engine with a turboprop engine were chosen: changes in engine bay cooling, air inlet, exhaust system, nacellès weight and parts reduction, flight tests and performance. The publication presents an approach to: design, assemble and test the small aircraft with a turboprop engine.
Findings
Replacement of piston engine by turbine was carried out. The full program of ground and flight test small aircraft has been successfully completed. Pros and cons of the new design are described in the paper.
Practical implications
Currently, aviation gasoline (AVGAS ) is increasingly being replaced by JET-A1 (kerosene-type fuels) or diesel fuel. The change concerns engine replacement and all the necessary additional components on the aircraft. This is consistent with the new directions of development of aviation: clean, green and eco design. Replacing the piston engine with a turbine allows improvement to performance and reduces operation cost.
Originality/value
The achieved results allow for identifying and highlighting new directions of aviation technology development. A significant added value is to draw attention to the necessity of preparing for future requirements and amendments in regulations for the new class of aircraft: general aviation SET(L) – single engine turboprop.
Emissions of piston engine aircraft using aviation gasoline (avgas) and motor gasoline (mogas) as fuel – a review
