Until now, we’ve seen petrol being used as the aviation fuel. However, things are going to change very soon as aeronautical engineer Bill Whitney from Delta Helicopters of Queensland, Australia, envisages the production of the world’s first diesel helicopter. The prototype chopper, dubbed as Delta D2, is being made for the Aussie farmers for their agricultural operations.
US firm Deltahawk is making a four-cylinder, two-stroke, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine for the chopper while promising that it touts better fuel-efficiency at 30-40% more when compared to traditional standard gasoline aviation engines and the turbine aviation engines. With no spark plugs, magnetos, high-tension leads, valves or head gaskets included, it takes in carbon-fiber rotors, semi-transparent fuel tanks, and a massive cargo box under its rotors for aviation safety. Maybe, you will see these engines powered by biofuels some day.
The two-seater Delta D2 helicopter could be assembled for about $180,000 AUD or $200,000 AUD only for its buyers.
Via: Treehugger