Innovative dual fuel CNG aircraft will be launched this week in Wisconsin

The first dual fuel CNG aircraft can be powered by natural gas or 100LL aviation gasoline with the flip of a switch. It is a standard Aviat Husky A1-C that has been fitted with a CNG fuel tank in addition to its standard gasoline tanks with a capacity of 50 gallons. It is equipped by a 200 hp, four cylinder Lycoming aircraft engine with a cruise speed of 43 mph. The flight endurance at 65 percent power setting is approximately seven hours.

“Among the many advantage of using CNG are fuel cost savings, cleaner burning fuel and no lead emissions,” explained Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America, who approached Aviat’s president in early 2013 with the idea of building an aircraft to demonstrate the advantages natural gas can offer general aviation aircraft. “I’m impressed with how Aviat readily agreed to tackle this project, working with a team of engineers and craftsmen within the aviation and natural gas industries. The result is a sophisticated solution which can be readily applied to a variety of piston powered aircraft.”

Compressed natural gas is up to 80 percent less expensive than the national average of $6-per-gallon aviation gasoline. It also reduces smog pollutants by 90 percent and CO₂ emissions by 30 percent. Engine oil remains significantly cleaner therefore improving engine life, while aircraft performance is enhanced as CNG typically burns 138 octane versus the current 100 octane of aviation gasoline.

“One aspect we’re particularly excited about is the opportunity to dramatically reduce the cost of learning to fly. If a flight school installs a simple CNG refueling station they can cut the cost for the student’s fuel, perhaps by thousands of dollars. And, the fuel is available where ever there is a natural gas line,” added Herrick.

Source: Aviat Aircraft, Inc.