Mercedes Aviation Project

[nmucci]

This is going to be a long post.

I am involved in a multi-university research project to develop an unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance missions in Greenland and Antarctica. My aircraft requires two engines, but the total power needed is 150hp. Now, in Antarctica, the only fuels available are diesel and jet-a. This pretty much necessitates a turbine engine for an aircraft. There aren't any turbine engines out there reliable enough to perform the task at the necessary power. However, with the advent of aerodiesels from such companies as Thielert, I think it may be possible to use an engine like a 2.0L Volkswagen diesel or the 2.4L Mercedes diesel with a few modifications. I don't think the VW engine is a good idea since they are originally designed as gas engines; they aren't robust solutions for a diesel engine. Mercedes engines are tough, flexible when it comes to fuel, handle punishment pretty well, and are reliable for long periods of time.

What are your thoughts about an aircraft flying 3200nm round trip missions on a pair of 240D engines in -40 deg F powered with jet-a? I understand that this is not an "out of box" solution and it will require some crafty engineering, but I've spoken with a couple of excellent trustworthy MB mechanics locally and we all think this is possible. Also, if anyone is in the Kansas City area and wants to participate in this project, email me at nick dot mucci at gmail dot com.

BTW, this project has inspired me to run jet-a/canola in my 300SD. 2,000 miles so far, and not even a clogged filter.