Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daniel Knezacek on September 24, 2010 at 2:07pm

I too am very interested in the new Smart Car Diesel engines.

I am currently flying with a EA81 Subaru engine, and I calculate that I could get twice the range on the same amount of fuel, plus the engine would weigh about 130 lbs lighter than the Soob! Empty, the Smart Car engine weighs 130 lbs, while my Subaru weighs 260!

Another advantage is that it will run on either Diesel fuel OR on Jet A! Given that avgas is going to get scarce or expensive this might be a very good thing.

Here are a couple of links to the people who have these engines flying in Europe:

http://www.ecofly.de/english.htm

http://www.eco-motors.com/

There is a photo of a CH-601HD with one of these engines being installed on the eco-motors website.

This is something that needs to be discussed by pilots before they make it prohibitively expensive to fly!

Dan Knezacek

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Permalink Reply by John Ellis on September 30, 2010 at 5:20pm

I looked into a Smart Car engine last year only to find out that they are no longer imported into Canada, and I assume the USA. Apparently they do not meet emission standards. Getting one of these engines imported for an aircraft in Canada is impossible. Directly you say "airplane" they almost hang-up. They are afraid of the liability.

John

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Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on September 30, 2010 at 6:15pm

Why not tell them it's for a generator?

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Knezacek on October 2, 2010 at 1:31pm

I hadn't heard that Mercedes had stopped importing the Smart car into Canada.

They are still advertising here: http://www.thesmart.ca/index.cfm?ID=4720

In Europe Daimler actually encourages the use of their engines in aircraft. The laws there must be more aviation friendly than they are here. Our way of life, and economy is threatened by our laws.

I would suggest that you might have to get an engine from a wrecker and have someone, or yourself, rebuild it.

Apparently Ramphos trikes is demonstrating a trike powered with a Smart engine. A quick search should be able to dig up something on that one.

Diamond Aircraft is using diesels in their twin DiamondStar, but those engines may be a bit out of our league. Still, if your plane can handle 170 hp and you've got the money I'm sure they would sell one to you.

Dan

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Permalink Reply by Chris Aysen on October 5, 2010 at 2:18pm

Although alot of work is being done in this area it's unlikely light sport will have a diesel engine anytime soon. Considering cylinder pressures for diesels which range in the 600 psi range and gasolines in the 200 psi range. Shear weight of the engine, because of metal needed to contain the pressures, would not allow a light enough engine for light sport.... I believe the max hp for the Smart Car diesel (turbo) was 45 hp, hardly enough for a light sport.... However, advances in metallury are being made. It's going to be a "wait-and-see" proposition.

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