First dual fuel CNG piston powered aircraft to be unveiled at AirVenture 2013

July 29, 2013. Airplane manufacturer Aviat Aircraft, Inc. and Minneapolis-based Aviation Foundation of America, Inc. announced the scheduled unveiling of the first dual fuel, piston powered aircraft to operate on both compressed natural gas (CNG) and aviation gasoline. The Aviat Husky CNG will be on display outside the Innovations Pavilion throughout AirVenture 2013 which takes place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 29 through August 4.

   “This is a remarkable proof-of-concept airplane,” said Stu Horn, president of Aviat Aircraft. “While adapting our standard Husky aircraft into this dual fuel configuration was not without challenges, it was well worth it. The performance and ease of operations have exceeded our expectations.”

   The Aviat Husky CNG, which flew more than 1.000 miles from Aviat’s headquarters in Afton, Wyoming, to be at AirVenture, can be powered by CNG or 100LL aviation gasoline with the flip of a switch. It is a standard Aviat Husky A1-C that has been fitted with a CNG fuel tank in addition to its standard aviation gasoline tanks with a capacity of 50 gallons. The aircraft is powered by a 200 h.p., four cylinder Lycoming aircraft engine with a cruise speed of 143 m.p.h. The flight endurance at 65 percent power setting is approximately seven hours.

   “Among the many advantage of using CNG are fuel cost savings, cleaner burning fuel and no lead emissions,” said Greg Herrick, president of the Aviation Foundation of America.

(Quoted from:http://www.gnvmagazine.com/noticia-primera_aeronave_de_combustible_dual_propulsada_por_gnc_en_airventure_2013-3190)