Innodyn Turbine Update … Keep Waiting

Innodyn now has its 165- to 225-hp 188-pound turbine for GA flying in a Super Cub, aims to have two engines delivered to customers/investors next month and is optimistic that a kit airframe manufacturer’s experience with the engines may lead to an announcement of the turbine as an option on those airframes. Expect it only when that manufacturer is good and ready. The engines are light — half the weight of a comparable piston — burn a bit more fuel per hour for the equivalent horsepower (about 7 gph per 100 horsepower vs. 5.5 gph for an average 100LL piston) … and howl like a banshee. The Cub flew to OSH at about 8,500 feet burning close to 9 gallons per hour. Operation is turbine smooth of course and the units aim for a projected TBO of 5000 hours. Operation of the unit is simple, if a bit different. The start sequence is automated. After start the throttle is firewalled and left there until shutdown. The pilot controls power by adjusting the prop pitch and the engine automatically adjusts its power to keep prop speed constant. After landing a beta (reverse pitch) prop setting may be utilized for short stops, making the units attractive to cold weather, high altitude, short takeoff and landing applications. Innodyn is developing a twin turbine setup where two turbines power a single prop. These engines will be ready for experimentals in a few months but there is no timeline for certified installs.