Propelled by a New Power

A roundup of what's new in the world of general aviation engines.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 05:24 PM ET

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A technician tests a Thunderbolt engine built for Red Bull Air Race at the Lycoming engine factory. [Credit: Balazs Gardi/ Red Bull]

Key Takeaways:

The aviation industry is currently seeing significant advancements in both piston and turbine aircraft engines, with new technologies available today, alongside ongoing development of alternative power sources.
Piston engine innovations include lightweight, economical designs (e.g., Rotax 915), a strong trend toward Jet-A burning diesel engines (e.g., Continental CD, Austro E4 series), and electronic ignition systems (e.g., Lycoming iE2).
Turbine powerplants are also evolving with Pratt & Whitney’s PT6E series offering advanced electronic controls and improved maintenance, while GE Aerospace’s clean-sheet Catalyst turboprop aims for reduced complexity and high performance.

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What powers the latest aircraft?

Though we’ve answered the question in the pages of FLYING over and over through the years, we’re truly at a crossroads as we begin 2023. While real alternative power sources—such as electric motors enabled by evolving battery solutions or liquid hydrogen—remain firmly in test mode, for the first time since the jet engine debuted, pilots can find new technology in both piston and turbine powerplants in operation on the flight line today.