Russian general aviation operators in remote, oil-rich regions could save 20-40% of flight hour costs in future, due to research being carried out at the Baranov Central Institute of Aviation Motor Development (TsIAM) into non-traditional aviation fuels, including from associated petroleum gas.
According to the institute's calculations, in regions with a well-developed oil and gas economy – particularly in Russia's Far North – the use by regional aviation of condensed fuels would cut spending on aviation fuel by 5%, and increase engine lifespans by 20-30%, as well as cutting the cost of a flight hour by 20-40%. Such an advance would also reduce pollution, it claims.
The institute's scientists are "developing the concept of a dual-fuel flying engine demonstrator working on liquefied gas and also traditional fuel," it says.
During November 2015, Baranov TsIAM specialists unveiled an aviation piston-engine demonstrator working on an experimental type of condensed aviation fuel.
The impetus for using such fuels in Russia's regions needs further market research, but "on the technical side, all the issues are resolved," says TsIAM director Aleksandr Lanshin.
The concept is being studied in co-operation with the Zhukovsky Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute, United Engine Corporation, representatives from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and others, Baranov TsIAM says.
Russia has practical experience of developing such technologies, having flown a Tupolev Tu-155 with an NK-88 engine – developed by Samara-headquartered NK Engines – using liquefied natural gas as far back as 1969, the institute notes.
Source: Flight International
