The Application of a Liquid-Cooled V-8 Piston Engine to General Aviation Aircraft

A 522 kW (700 hp), liquid-cooled, turbocharged, V-8 piston aircraft engine is being developed for Federal Aviation Administration certification with application directed toward repowering general aviation aircraft. Emphasis is on fuel-efficiency and altitude performance, installation of this engine has the potential to expand the performance envelope of agricultural and turboprop twin engine aircraft. Performance estimations of two representative twin engine aircraft capable of using 522 kW (700 hp) engines show significant increases in maximum true airspeed, climb performance, choice of cruise airspeed, and cruise performance. Installation in agricultural aircraft will increase performance and payload capability.