Eco Factor: Sustainable helicopter with biofuel utilization capability.
Choppers powered by petrol are what we have seen till date. But, it seems like folks at Delta Helicopters of Queensland, Australia are not too satisfied with it. The company has come out with a prototype to be the world’s first diesel helicopter that has been built for the Aussie farmers for their agricultural operations.
Dubbed the “Delta D2”, the two-seater helicopter is said to consume 40% less fuel than standard gasoline aviation engines and 75% less than turbine aviation engines. Designed by aeronautical engineer Bill Whitney, the chopper incorporates a four-cylinder, two-stroke, water-cooled and turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is also said to be capable of using biofuels.
The engine that elevates fuel-efficiency by 30-40% will come from the US firm DeltaHawk. Due to its innovative engine, it can do without spark plugs, no magnetos, high tension leads, valves and head gaskets engine. For safety purposes it will include custom made carbon-fiber rotors, semi-transparent fuel tanks and a massive cargo box under the rotor. It is anticipated that the kit will set you back by nearly $180,000 AUD, while completely assembled version will cost some $200,000 AUD.
Via: TreeHugger
