Future General Aviation Piston Engines and Fuels - An Integrated Approach

The continued availability of leaded specialty aviation gasolines remains as an item of crucial importance in the near-term future of general aviation; however, the development of new piston engines capable of operation with other transportation fuels available in large pools is considered an indispensable element in the long-range survival of the industry. This paper offers a road map that while allowing the continued utilization of the current fleet of piston aircraft, sets the stage for a transition to new piston powerplants and associated aircraft, compatible with widely available transportation fuels such as motor gasoline based aviation fuels for the lower and some medium performance aircraft, and aviation turbine fuels for the balance of medium and high performance airplanes. The proposed fuels and associated aircraft engines transition road map represents an integrated approach that covers the entire family of future general aviation products, in contrast with current fragmented efforts that ignore the small volume and wide world dispersal of this market.

Transportation fuels likely to remain available around the world well into the future, determine the characteristics and combustion technologies of future engines. A discussion of said engine technologies, including emerging new combustion concepts, power management and advanced essential engine accessory systems is included in this document. This paper reflects generalized results of extensive studies and related supportive research activities on current typical general aviation fuels and engines, and on fuels and experimental engines envisioned to support the industry during the next 50 years.