Challenges of turboprop engine installation on small aircraft
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 5 June 2019
Issue publication date: 15 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the challenges of turbine engine installation on small aircraft. The work was a part of the European Union project Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft, FP7 EU – Activity, 7.1.4. improving cost efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Few of the most interesting issues associated with replacing a piston engine with a turboprop engine were chosen: changes in engine bay cooling, air inlet, exhaust system, nacellès weight and parts reduction, flight tests and performance. The publication presents an approach to: design, assemble and test the small aircraft with a turboprop engine.
Findings
Replacement of piston engine by turbine was carried out. The full program of ground and flight test small aircraft has been successfully completed. Pros and cons of the new design are described in the paper.
Practical implications
Currently, aviation gasoline (AVGAS ) is increasingly being replaced by JET-A1 (kerosene-type fuels) or diesel fuel. The change concerns engine replacement and all the necessary additional components on the aircraft. This is consistent with the new directions of development of aviation: clean, green and eco design. Replacing the piston engine with a turbine allows improvement to performance and reduces operation cost.
Originality/value
The achieved results allow for identifying and highlighting new directions of aviation technology development. A significant added value is to draw attention to the necessity of preparing for future requirements and amendments in regulations for the new class of aircraft: general aviation SET(L) – single engine turboprop.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The works were carried out within the project “Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft” – ESPOSA, Work programme topic: AAT. 2011.4.4-4. An integrated approach to efficient propulsion and related aircraft systems for small aircraft Grant Agreement No: 284,859” co-financed by Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Citation
Guła, P., Ulma, D., Żurek, K. and Żurawski, R. (2019), "Challenges of turboprop engine installation on small aircraft", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 91 No. 7, pp. 938-948. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-09-2017-0198
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited