(Racine, Wisconsin) Piper Aircraft Company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, has entered a collaborative relationship with DeltaHawk Engines, builders of the revolutionary FAA-certified DHK jet-fueled piston engines to begin development of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation of DeltaHawk’s engine in Piper’s legendary PA-44 Seminole twin in both new and retrofit aircraft.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two companies has been signed and sharing of engineering data and technical resources is now underway, along with finalization of details surrounding a potential initial order of engines. To support the need for a counter-rotating engine, DeltaHawk is developing a counter-rotating version of their engines. In addition to application of DeltaHawk’s family of engines in the PA-44 Seminole, exploratory discussions are also ongoing about future applications of higher horsepower versions of the DeltaHawk engine family in Piper’s expansive product line.
“We fully recognize the potential of DeltaHawk’s engine technology – as well as the number of engineering and environmental advancements they are establishing with their family of engines” said Marc Ouellet, Vice President of Engineering & Manufacturing of Piper Aircraft. “Installation of the DHK engine in the Seminole will expand the global market for the aircraft – and we see leveraging such advanced engine technology as vital to maintaining Piper’s leadership position worldwide – not only for new aircraft, but for our existing fleets as well.”
Christopher Ruud, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaHawk added “We could not be more excited about our formal collaboration with Piper – and we see installation of the DHK engine in the legendary Piper Seminole as an outstanding beginning for a global partnership we anticipate will grow to include our entire family of engines in a wide range of horsepower. Just as important, we see this new agreement not just in terms of engines, but also as a wonderful step by Piper towards ensuring environmental sustainability for general aviation worldwide.”
Following FAA certification of the DHK180 last year, flights of the new engine in factory aircraft have been ongoing at DeltaHawk’s manufacturing and flight test facility in Racine, Wisconsin, along with work by the company’s quality and operations teams in preparation for production of integrated firewall forward engine packages. In addition, DeltaHawk has previously announced 200 and 235 hp DHK engines well.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class, Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.
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