Turbine Aeronautics

[KRviator]

Apparently they have a 120HP turboprop available "soon" to the point they have started taking orders from Sun'n'Fun last week.

100HP fuel burn is a claimed 8USGPH, so it isn't exactly economical, but if you enjoy pushing the boundaries and want to upset Van by putting one in an RV-12, they have just released their website and have a youtube video of the prototype.

Target market initially appears to be the Tucano crowd, but if it proves successful, it probably won't be long until someone puts a pair of them in an RV-10 to build that ever-elusive "twin-turbine time".

And the all important question...$$$$ According to their website:

Originally Posted by Turbine Aeronautics

Pricing
Final prices for our engines will be determined and advised to delivery slot holders and general customers, once the engines are actually in production. However, we provide the following price guides for our launch engines:
​TA120TP - A similar price to a fully equipped Rotax 914
​TA200TP - A similar price to a new IO360
​
If the final price or specifications, as advised to holders of reserved delivery slots when their engine is ready for delivery is not acceptable to the slot holder, they may cancel their reservation and receive the appropriate refund of their deposit.

EDIT: Just realised their corporate offices are in Sydney too - but I have no involvement in any way with them, just became aware of the engine on the RecFlying boards.

[blueflyer]

I hope they do well. It sounds exciting.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by KRviator

Apparently they have a 120HP turboprop available "soon" to the point they have started taking orders from Sun'n'Fun last week.
100HP fuel burn is a claimed 8USGPH, so it isn't exactly economical, but if you enjoy pushing the boundaries and want to upset Van by putting one in an RV-12,

A turbine engine in an RV-12 does not meet LSA parameters in the U.S.
This aircraft would be an amateur-built and could not be flown by a sport pilot.

[Alex Edwards]

Thier bigger engine they propose for the future might be interesting in an RV-10.

[Hwood]

Very interesting indeed....I wonder what the weight is? Also, not as economical but jet fuel is cheaper and going to be around for awhile longer (we hope).

Perhaps Van's new RV-20? An experimental jet?

[mike newall]

Ironically - too light.

Much as other turbine conversions. Look at Pilatus Porter, Soloy 207 etc.

The 200hp version is half the weight of a piston, yes the fuel burn is higher but it looks like a real possibility for the tandem airplanes that don't like a lot of weight up front.

[edsong]

Or whatever they call it for turbines.

[BillL]

With the 200hp unit operating at 180 hp and 14.6 gph, a 7 would need 68 gal of fuel for the same time burn as 42 gal standard. Add that to the spec weight and it is not bad, still less than the Lyc + fuel weight. Getting W&B and sorting out the flight profile for X-CTY still TBD, but it appears competitive, initial investment aside. Maybe a new "Rocket" purpose modified for the engine capability?

Oh- I did not see the altitude rating - is it flat rated to 18K?

It looks like a bad investment, but more power to the guys for their initiative.

[dlomheim]

The biggest issue with GA turbines has always been the light engine weight (which then c,reates an ugly long pinocchio nose) and the really high fuel burn! For a jet engine to be really efficient they need to operate at "flight levels" which then requires pressurization and special systems (O2 regulators, etc.), and some training. Hi cool factor; but never seemed too practical for RVs.

Doug Lomheim
RV-9A Mazda 13B FWF

[mburch]

Maybe not well-suited to RV's, but this does look like it would be a great fit for little baby helicopters.