"Peter Duniho" wrote in message
...
wrote in message
...
And it looks like the small jets are pushing the turbo props and
the twin piston engines. Is it a matter of time before it will
be cheaper to just buy a small jet?

I'm not holding my breath on that one.

Me either. But if you believe the manufacturer's claims, it is just a
matter of time. Several of the "mini jet" designs under development are
cheaper than the existing turboprop models, single or twin, and cost about
the same as new piston twins.

Of course, you can't actually buy any of them right now, and it remains to
be seen what they will actually cost if and when they make it to market.

What puzzles me is why there doesn't appear to be anyone working on
turbines in the range of 160 to 250 HP for aircraft.

Small turbines are inherently inefficient so you are unlikely to see them in
this power range. The fuel consumption might be double that of a diesel.

Mike
MU-2



GA Flyer just included an "engines in development" article as part of
their
Oshkosh coverage, and had a picture of exactly that, as well as a mention
in
the article of the company producing the small turbines (I think they said
all for turboprop installations).

They are out there...you just need to look. Don't get distracted by the
lack of certificated engines, or lack of interest in certification. Not
all
of the engine research and development going on is aimed at the
certificated
market.

Pete