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Using truck diesels for Beaver-type large Bush planes. Perfect match?

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Doggzilla

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2013
Messages
2,352
Location
Everywhere USA
So I have a friend with an amphib Beaver who runs a small business, and he has to really baby the engine to get the most out of it. After takeoff he almost idles and takes it as slow as possible to conserve fuel due to the insane costs where he operates.

It seems like a modern truck Diesel could be a viable replacement or basis for a new aircraft.

Even older 6.5 GM Diesels can make 700+hp stock and run at 180hp all day long. There are videos of them being turned up to 1000hp on dynos with very little work.

Most modern Diesels can hold 450hp for a significant amount of time while towing, and have roughly the same weight as the Wasp Jr.

They seem like the perfect match for larger bush planes. And they use far less fuel and much cheaper fuel at that.

Most Diesels exceed modern Lycoming engines by about 30%. Its possible that the Wasp Jr could be exceeded by 50% or more, especially if the aerodynamics can be improved noticeably.

Many also have compatible RPM ranges, so they really do seem like a very good match.
 
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