Sun 'n Fun 2024: DeltaHawk Engine Update

With the current engine market experiencing big price increases and even bigger backorders, there's a real need for more choices with more modern tech. The industry has been watching Wisconsin-based DeltaHawk for years and with FAA certification in hand for its DHK 180-series liquid-cooled, Jet-A-fueled turbocharged engine, the company showed up at Sun 'n Fun 2024 with a new relationship with Piper. Aviation Consumer Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano caught up with DeltaHawk CEO Chris Ruud for an update.

[LynnDixon]

The 180hp version is priced at an EYE WATERING $110, 000!!!! I have no idea how they expect to compete with a Lycoming at these prices.

[davewilliams]

Was one of the first to put down a $5K deposit back around 2001. Was building a TeamTango Tango-2 and really wanted this engine. Fabricated an engine mount using Deltahawk static engine mock-up and was ready to go. The original 2001 price was $18K for basic experimental engine. After waiting 10 years, I had had enough and was lucky enough to get my $5K back after the company was purchased by new owners. Finally installed an IO-360 in my Tango with a Whirlwind prop. Great plane! As stated by another poster, I don't see how they can be competetive with their pricing. Unless you have money to loose, I would be careful giving any money to these folks.

[edschuler]

I was hoping to use the DeltaHawk in my one of a kind homebuilt. My airplane has been flying now for 23 years with a good old Lycoming O-360. I wish DeltaHawk the best but their development has been going on for ever.

[netpackrat]

It's amusing that you refer to this engine as new. It's been in development for literally my entire adult life, and I turn 50 in less than 2 weeks.

[keithfreeman]

I have been running 2 cyc engines since 1960. C/L and then in 1976 R/C. As I got older I got into Lawn maintenance so I naturally got to the trimmers, blowers, mowers, and chainsaws. I'm a ENGINE guy. Several car engines built straight 6's and V8's.
Your DeltaHawk Engine and being Super/Turbo Charged, Altitude wouldn't be a problem plus being 40% more efficient receives big points.
Piston timed engines seem to simply work well.
With the higher torque at Lower RPM PROP Pitch is the question. Larger diameter more pitch. Thus would lower prop overall Rpm and reducing prop noise. A Ducted Fan would improve prop efficiency by another 23%.
Alcohol Fuel Glow Ignition Engines can be transformed to Diesel by a simple HEAD Change.
So, why not take a Aluminum block Steel Sleeved V6 Car engine and change the Heads add Mechanical Fuel Injection, Turbo Charging. Vola, a Home built Diesel Engine at a really LOW cost.
Just a idea.

[brianb-p]

It's not "supercharged and turbocharged"; it has a mechanical scavenge blower (which is not a supercharger), and a turbocharger. That's a perfectly good configuration... it's just the description as "supercharged" which is misleading.

[pnzrldr]

Is there a substantial price delta between experimental and certified applications?

[mikesumner]

Alot of talking but I didn't hear anything about the weight, fuel consumption, TBO or price.

[daveronneberg]

Torsional resonance, that has always been the question for every diesel . What is the list of props excluded from use

[markthibault]

Firewall forward, how does the 180hp engine compare in weight to a typical Lyc O-360 install?

[tonylam]

What you did not say, why both turbo and super charge, why not just one or the other. Is the supercharger positive displacement, and what are the weight compare with a standard IO-360?

[brianb-p]

Will the 6-cylinder use a different bank angle (60° or 120°) or split crankpins... or will it be irregular firing?

[hedleypepper]

Wow the deltahawk guys have been working gard for a long time. I offered a cost comparison in europe / UK 🇬🇧 maybe 18 or 20 years ago that was wuoted on their website. For the record the prices for petrol / avgas over here are still mad expensive compared to thr USA 🇺🇸 so the delta hawk still make crazy good sense in Europe. 😮

[mkvance]

It funny to think that an old Detroit Diesel - Allison engine design finds life as an aircraft engine.

[DaveBegotka]

Thank you! Finally, someone explained the

[triggerpointtechnology]

So no plans for the Pipestrel Panthera? That sled would go 260 knots at 19, 000 with your 235hp version.

[Blackcloud_Garage]

Price, TBO, weight, single lever control, fuel burn?

[wallywally]

Good luck wth that! Cost, weight, availability of spares and who’s gunna service them, not to mention that Avtur is harder to get at many places.

[wilburwong]

What is process for STC into GA aircraft?

For small C172 or single engine Cherokee?

[PacificAirwave]

Almost expecting an aviation-related insurance ad to pop-up following this :-) I hope its awesome and busts-down the prices of the others. Innovation is good!