Russian start-up Pro-Avia selects Germany’s Red A03 all-aluminium diesel engine to power in-development utility-twin

Pro-Avia, a Russian start-up has selected Red Aircraft’s A03 500hp diesel engine to power its in-development multi-purpose piston-twin.

Adenau, Germany-based Red Aviation explains its power-plant as an “all-aluminium, 12-cylinder, high-compression-ignition engine” that can run on Jet A or diesel fuel.

Red Aviation’s head of business development Sebastian Gluck said: “The A03 is a game-changer in the market as there are currently no diesel engines in the 500hp range.”

He added: “It was selected by Pro-Avia, as it can deliver lower emissions and excellent fuel efficiency compared with similar-sized engines running on leaded aviation fuel like the Lycoming IO-580, TIO-720 and Continental IO-550 pistons.”

European and US certifications were awarded to A03 in December 2014 and January 2015, respectively, and the engine is now installed on a clutch of platforms including the Yakovlev Yak-52 and -152 trainers, and Fletcher FU-24 agricultural aircraft.

“We are aiming to achieve supplemental type certifications for the A03 soon on the De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and Air Tractor AT-301,” says Gluck.

Pro-Avia’s so far nameless aircraft is now in its preliminary design phase. Its major focus is at the passenger, cargo and utility markets, the model has a projected maximum take-off weight of 4,800kg (10,600lb), a maximum cruise speed of 185kt (340km/h), and a maximum range of 1,190nm (2,200km). It will be able to seat nine to 14 passengers.