EPS reports diesel progress

EPS CEO Michael Fuchs said in a press release that the design “freeze” is significant in that it signals to the FAA that all of the parts are present in the desired configuration, and that the engine is ready to be considered for a type certificate.

“That does not mean that we will not introduce new elements or refinements in the engine as technologies evolve in the future,” Fuchs said. “Indeed, we have already incorporated a significant number of innovations in the Graflight 8. But now it’s time to address the conformity process and for that we lock the design, knowing we have reached the current limits of refinement. We’re very satisfied with the results and with the progress.”

The company announced in June the completion of propeller vibration testing conducted for the U.S. Air Force, which appears to be eyeing the new diesel for unmanned applications; the company also plans to offer the eight-cylinder engine for general aviation use at a range of horsepower points.

Conceived as an aviation powerplant from the start, rather than adapted from engines made for automotive use, the Graflight 8 has shown promise to produce high power, potentially exceeding 400 horsepower, with high fuel efficiency.

EPS has posted details about its new engine, including test data and photos, on the company website.