Rajan Wilcox
While most airplanes don't run on gasoline, there are some diesel-powered airplanes. These diesel airplanes run on jet fuel (kerosene) or conventional automotive diesel. However, using diesel fuel in an aircraft engine not built for it can cause issues with weight and engine performance and even damage the engine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do airplanes run on diesel fuel? | Yes, some airplanes run on diesel fuel. |
| Why don't all airplanes run on diesel fuel? | Diesel engines are considerably more expensive to buy than gasoline engines of the same power rating. Soot particle filters in diesel engines, which may become compulsory, increase weight and cause power loss. In cold weather, additives must be added to diesel fuel to prevent the paraffin from solidifying, which may still result in blocked fuel lines. |
| Why do some airplanes run on diesel fuel? | Diesel fuel is cheaper than avgas. Automotive diesel technologies have improved greatly in recent years, offering higher power-to-weight ratios more suitable for aircraft application. |
| Examples of diesel-powered airplanes | Airbus Helicopters H120 Colibri, Tecnam P2010 TDI, Cessna 172s, Piper Cherokees, Diamond DA40-TDI Star, Diamond DA42 Twin Star, DR400 Ecoflyer |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Some diesel airplanes exist
While most airplanes don't run on diesel fuel, there are a few exceptions. Some diesel-powered light aircraft exist, and a number of companies are developing new engine and aircraft designs for this purpose. These diesel-powered planes often run on jet fuel (kerosene) or conventional automotive diesel. For example, the zeppelins LZ 129 Hindenburg and LZ 130 Graf Zeppelin II were propelled by reversible diesel engines. Additionally, certain models of Cessna and Piper Cherokee planes have been certified for retrofitting with diesel engines, replacing the Avgas engine. Thielert, based in German Lichtenstein, Saxony, was the original TC holder for the diesel engine running on jet A-1 fuel. However, they filed for bankruptcy in May 2008.
Several hundred Thielert-powered airplanes are currently flying. Diamond Aircraft, an Austrian aircraft manufacturer, developed its own in-house diesel engine: the Austro Engine E4. SMA Engines, located in Bourges, France, have also designed the SMA SR305-230, a direct-drive four-stroke turbo-diesel engine that has obtained certifications from the EASA and US FAA. Within the Green Rotorcraft European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative, an Airbus Helicopters H120 Colibri demonstrator equipped with a HIPE AE440 high-compression diesel engine first flew in November 2015.
While diesel-powered airplanes exist, they are not as prevalent as non-diesel options, particularly in the US. There are several considerations when it comes to the use of diesel in aircraft. One concern is the weight disadvantage associated with diesel power, especially with the potential addition of soot particle filters, which would increase weight and slightly reduce power. Additionally, diesel fuel bought at automobile filling stations may not be suitable for aircraft due to the need for additives to prevent the paraffin from solidifying in cold weather. This could lead to blocked fuel lines, requiring additional precautions and potential sources of trouble for pilots.
Furthermore, the cost savings of diesel engines may not be significant for recreational pilots who fly less than 50 hours a year. While diesel fuel is generally cheaper, the higher purchase cost of aero-diesel engines compared to gasoline engines of the same power rating can offset the fuel cost advantage. Additionally, the lower maximum payload due to the heavier engine of diesel planes can be a disadvantage. However, simulations indicate that diesel planes can have a longer range at a medium payload.
Clearing Diesel from a Gas Engine: Flushing and Beyond
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kerosene is a popular choice for commercial airlines
Kerosene is a popular choice of fuel for commercial airlines. Most airplanes, except piston-based airplanes, run on kerosene-based fuel. Kerosene is an attractive option for airlines because it has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than gasoline. This is important because airplanes fly at high altitudes where the air is significantly colder, and kerosene can withstand these harsh and cold environmental conditions without freezing.
Kerosene is also cheaper to produce than gasoline, which saves airlines money. In addition, kerosene is less volatile than gasoline, which means it has a longer shelf life and degrades more slowly. This is another advantage for commercial airlines as it reduces fuel wastage and the need for frequent refuelling.
Another reason for the popularity of kerosene among commercial airlines is its availability. Kerosene is readily available as jet fuel, which makes it convenient and accessible for airlines to source and purchase.
While diesel-powered airplanes exist, they are not as common as non-diesel options, particularly in the US. One reason for this is the potential issue of weight. Diesel engines are heavier, which can result in a lower maximum payload. Additionally, diesel fuel requires additional precautions in cold weather to prevent the paraffin from solidifying and blocking fuel lines. This can be a significant disadvantage for pilots, adding complexity and potential problems.
In summary, kerosene is a popular choice for commercial airlines because of its favourable physical properties, low cost, accessibility, and ability to withstand cold temperatures at high altitudes. While diesel fuel can be used in some aircraft, it is not as prevalent due to weight concerns and the need for additional measures in cold climates.
Diesel Fuel Prices in Italy: The Cost Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Diesel fuel is cheaper
Although diesel fuel is often used in commercial vehicles, it is usually costlier than unleaded fuel. However, diesel fuel is generally cheaper in Europe, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, diesel engines have been incentivized in Europe due to their higher efficiency, and governments have taxed gasoline at a higher rate to encourage the use of diesel engines.
Another reason for the cheaper price of diesel fuel in Europe is the specific energy content of the fuel. The European Union is working towards making the cost of all fuels dependent on their specific energy content rather than the type of fuel. This shift will likely result in a more accurate representation of the cost of different fuels relative to their energy output.
Additionally, the availability and cost of aviation gasoline (Avgas) have influenced the use of diesel fuel in aircraft. Avgas has become very expensive in Europe, and in some remote locations, it is harder to obtain than diesel fuel. The improved automotive diesel technologies have also contributed to the preference for diesel fuel, as they offer higher power-to-weight ratios, making them more suitable for aircraft applications.
While the cost of diesel fuel is an important consideration, it is worth noting that the initial purchase price of aero-diesel engines is significantly higher than that of gasoline engines with similar power ratings. Furthermore, the weight disadvantage of diesel engines due to soot particle filters can impact the payload capacity of aircraft. Nevertheless, the lower fuel consumption of diesel engines can result in a longer range, making it a more economical choice for certain operations.
Selecting the Right Diesel Fuel Injection Pump
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Diesel engines may not be environmentally friendly
Most airplanes don't run on gasoline. Instead, they use kerosene-based fuel, such as Jet A-1, which has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than gasoline. Kerosene is also cheaper and less volatile than gasoline.
However, diesel engines may not be environmentally friendly. While diesel fuel was once promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline as part of the EU's response to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, it has since been criticized for the amount of toxic emissions it produces. Diesel engines produce nitrogen oxides (NOx), including the toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), and nitric oxide (NO), which can increase the risk of respiratory problems. In addition, the fine particulate matter (PM) emitted from diesel engines is associated with poor heart health and an increased risk of cancer.
Furthermore, while diesel engines are lean-burn, meaning they use less fuel and more air to achieve the same performance as a gasoline engine, the percentage of very tiny carbon particles in their exhaust emissions can amount to 0.2-0.5% of the total. To address the issue of harmful emissions from diesel engines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established standards for the sulfur content of diesel fuel and emissions from new diesel engines. The petroleum industry has responded by producing Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, which helps to reduce emissions, even in older engines. However, it will take time for newer, cleaner diesel engine vehicles to replace older, dirtier ones, and diesel fuel use continues to contribute to air pollution.
Another concern with diesel engines is the weight disadvantage associated with soot particle filters, which are becoming compulsory in some jurisdictions. Gasoline engines do not require these filters, and the additional weight can impact the performance of aircraft, especially in recreational aviation, where the weight advantage of 50 kg (110 lb) of extra payload can be crucial for completing a journey without intermediate landings.
In conclusion, while diesel engines may offer certain advantages, such as cheaper fuel and improved power-to-weight ratios, they may not be environmentally friendly due to their toxic emissions, fine particulate matter, and weight disadvantages associated with soot particle filters.
Diesel Fuel Filters: Understanding Micron Ratings
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Diesel may not be suitable for cold climates
Most airplanes do not run on gasoline. Instead, they use kerosene-based fuel, including Jet A-1, which has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than gasoline. Kerosene is also cheaper and less volatile than gasoline.
However, some aircraft use diesel engines. Automotive diesel technologies have improved greatly in recent years, offering higher power-to-weight ratios more suitable for aircraft application. Diesel fuel is also cheaper than gasoline.
Despite these advantages, diesel may not be suitable for cold climates. Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a waxy solid distilled from petroleum. At low temperatures, the paraffin can start to change, forming wax crystals that give the fuel a cloudy appearance. This process is known as the fuel's "Cloud Point". As temperatures continue to drop, the diesel's viscosity increases, and it eventually turns into a gel, rendering it impossible to pump. This phenomenon is called "gelling" or "waxing".
To prevent these issues, additives must be added to the diesel fuel in cold climates. While refineries often do this automatically, it is possible to accidentally fill up with untreated diesel during the summer and encounter cold weather conditions that cause blocked fuel lines. Even with additives, fuel lines may still need to be shielded or heated to prevent blockage. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, require fewer additional precautions in cold weather, making them a more reliable choice in cold climates.
Mystery Oil in Diesel: Is It a Good Idea?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Most airplanes don't run on diesel fuel. They run on kerosene-based fuel, which has a higher flashpoint and a lower freezing point than gasoline. However, there are some diesel-powered airplanes, and some that run on Jet A-1 fuel, which is similar to diesel.
Kerosene is cheaper to produce than gasoline and has a longer shelf life. It is also less volatile, which means it is safer. Gasoline engines are also less likely to be affected by cold weather conditions.
It is never a good idea to use any kind of fuel other than what is recommended or required by the manufacturer. Using incompatible fuel can reduce engine performance or even damage the engine.
Diesel fuel is sometimes cheaper than other types of fuel, and it is often more readily available. However, the cost savings may not make a significant difference when considering the total cost of flying, including purchase cost, maintenance, insurance, and other fees.
