Press Release

Diesel Powered Light Aviation Takes Off

What is believed to be the first flight of an advanced 2-stroke diesel aero engine for over 50 years took place on 21 November. A UK company achieved a historic breakthrough when the new engine completed a successful first test flight. Although few details of the engine are available it is believed to be technically advanced and part of a family of engines covering a range of power outputs and aircraft types. Over 200 hours of bench testing has been completed. Wilksch Airmotive Limited has made rapid progress and achieved what other companies have so far only been able to talk about - practical and economic diesel powered flight. The power rating and test aircraft type have not been disclosed. The Company’s public relations officer said that the engine completed a faultless 20 minute flight impressing both engineering team members and the pilot who commented on low levels of noise and vibration and good response to power changes.

24 November 97