After more than 20 years in development, the Delta Hawk Jet A piston engine is now headed for certification. At a news conference at AirVenture 2014, spokesman Dennis Webb said the engine has been installed in a Cirrus SR20 test aircraft and flew from Florida to AirVenture in one six-hour leg with plenty of fuel for IFR reserves. Webb said the engine, which is a two-stroke diesel, is delivering the performance and fuel economy expected and it’s also smooth and quiet in flight. The two-stroke design allows it to be smaller and have fewer parts (no valves, lifters, cams, etc.) and it also has no electronics. That adds up to a lighter, simpler package.
Webb said the plan is to begin production by the end of the year to build inventory in advance of certification by the end of 2015. Webb said there are “smaller OEMs” interested in the design as well as orders from individuals. The launch engine, which puts out between 160 and 200 horsepower, will sell for $50,000-$60,000. It can be installed in any configuration because of its dry sump design. The two-stroke design allows for smaller displacement because there are twice as many power strokes. Two-stroke diesels are common in heavy equipment and large vehicles and are not to be confused with gasoline designs, which use oil in the fuel to lubricate internal parts.
