Nigel,
In all seriousness, an LP tank can be constructed from composite materials and,
thus, be kept quite light. The issue with an LP thank is more form factor than
weight. It must be cylindro-spherical in shape making locating it within an
airframe more an issue. LP is also quite energy dense, even more than diesel,
so it could be much smaller, lower volume, than a normal AvGas tank. Same
with LNG, another option in the same category.
Frans,
You may be correct that there will be composite LP (or LNG) tanks of more random
sizes. I have not seen them over here yet. Now all we need is to talk our
FBOs into storing another fuel type and figure out how to meter it so you don't
over fill. But that's all technical stuff and can probably be worked out.
I doubt you will see switch fuel aviation engines. Too much complication with
multiple carbs, plumbing, multiple fuel tanks, etc.
Diesel engines, if it weren't for their weight issues, would be great as aero
engines.
Gobs of torque at low to moderate RPM lets you swing a big fat air mover
at efficient RPM without complications like PSRUs.
AvGas, as 100LL, isn't going away real soon. There just isn't a suitable
replacement at this time and this fact has been recognized by the EPA and other
organizations. 100LL WILL go away at some point in the future, but that point
has not been set and, hopefully, won't be set till there is a suitable
replacement. There are a few contenders for the title of 100LL replacement but
only one appears to be making headway in the effort. 100SF (100 Swift Fuel)
appears to be in the lead at the present time. It is in the production pilot
plant stage of evaluation. More information can be obtained through the
Wikipedia (search avgas) and at http://www.swiftenterprises.net/ if you are
interested.
Bob
On Apr 19, 2011, at 3:23, Nigel Graham wrote:
>
>
>
> On 19/04/2011 07:32, Frans Veldman wrote:
>> .....snip......
>> ..... go straight to Diesel or propane. Here in the Netherlands about 1/3th
of the
>> gas cars has been converted to run on propane (LPG)
>
> .........and just how much does a propane tank weigh and what would that do
> for
the Europa's C of G and performance? ;-)
>
> Nigel
|