Since 1980, the Cessna Aircraft Company has explored new piston engine and related fuels technologies for future general aviation products, with extensive studies and supportive research activities.
This paper describes the development of a piston engine multi-fuel hybrid combustion system, capable of burning all types of transportation fuels at specific power outputs typical of current aircraft engines, specific fuel consumptions lower than current aviation engines, optimum medium compression ratios capable of limiting peak combustion pressures and associated engine structural weights, altitude performance comparable to current turbocharged engines, starting characteristics virtually insensitive to ambient or fuel temperatures, and particulates or smoke emissions in tune with current ground transportation engines.
This paper also reflects on the factors and conditions that prompted the Cessna Advanced Piston Powerplants Program.