7 August 2005
Innodyn, who are working on affordable and ultra-efficient turbine engines for the experimental aircraft market, plan to ship the first production units this autumn with a forecast delivery of several engines per month. There are presently two test aircraft flying, a Smith Cub, and an RV-4, with a combined log of 300 flight hours.
The engine itself is quite small (32 inches long by 14 inches in diameter) and weighs 188 lbs. Available horsepower ranges from 165 SHP to 255 SHP, with no changes in the engine’s external dimensions. The turbine is designed to run on diesel, kerosene, or avgas, with a patented digital control system handling engine management chores. Innodyn is quoting fuel burn rates of seven gallons per hour per 100 horsepower. Target TBO is 5000 hours; with minimal maintenance requirements in between-change the gear reduction oil every 500 hours, and an annual inspection to check the condition of the turbine.
Innodyn is planning to initially provide all service work through Firewall Forward and the company’s factory in Pennsylvania. But there are future plans to develop more service centres and distributors throughout the USA and eventually the world. The company has also looked into future certification, and even the STC market.
Prices will range from $26K to $34K, and the Innodyn already has about 50 orders in-house.
www.innodyn.com
