What should Mooney do?

[aaronk25]

Extra 150lbs of useful load too as it isn't necessary to carry as much fuel!

[chrisk]

I'd like to consider a Delta Hawk when its time for my 231 to get a new engine. 

[bonal]

I dont think they have to worry, AOPA just posted that Mooney announced 43 orders for Acclaims and Ovations 35 are headed to China. Lets be real the China market does not give a rats about parachutes or most any of the other great ideas posted here. the majority of the airplanes are going to be sent to China and what they are getting is a hard core fast complex aircraft that is already perfect for the market there. As long as they keep most if not all the production here in the U.S. its a good thing.

[John Pleisse]

Most of the questions in the survey undermine the very reason Mooney was purchased by the Chinese. They have zero know-how and high demand. A great discussion stemming from a frivolous and uninformed survey.

[DaV8or]

Watch the video for something really interesting. A DeltaHawk Diesel in a Cirrus, running at power towards the end of the video. Maybe Mooney should consider a 200HP+ DeltaHawk Diesel in a resurrected J model. It would look great, and be a very good high altitude performer at 7 gallons per hour. Overall trip efficiency is nearly 40% better than a gasoline engine at the same speeds and altitudes. This is due to the much lower fuel flow during taxi, takeoff, climb and cruise. 200HP=11gph. 

 

And, I love the look of the cowl !!

 

For those who don't know about the DeltaHawk Diesel, it's a 2 stroke, piston ported directly mechanically injected V-4 turbodiesel. This is important because the engine has 4 power events per revolution, typical 4 cyl engines only have 2 power events per revolution (whether gas or diesel) . Diesels are tough on props due to the violent nature of the combustion event. The DeltaHawk design reduces the "combustion event" related stress on the prop. SMA diesels (and others) must use MT wooden props (or similar) for fatigue reasons. It's also a direct drive engine, unlike the Austro/Thielert taxicab Mercedes diesel. The claim is rated power to 28,000 feet. 

 

 

 

 

You know, Delta Hawk has been plodding along for almost a decade (maybe more?). If it weren't for some military contracts they would be done by now I bet. They are always hoping to attract an OEM to commit to their engine, but it's chicken and egg I suspect. OEMs don't want to commit until after certification and Delta Hawk doesn't want to certify until they know it's worth their while. It has to be OEM to the new airplane market because the economics of converting older planes like my Mooney just isn't there. They know we're cheap bastards and will faint at the price.

 

They have been selling to the kit market for years, but I don't think they are making big inroads there either. Most kit builders seem to go conventional. Likely due to lack of statistics on in field performance and questions about company stability and integrity. They are the odd ball brand X. Will they be around five years from now? It's a huge investment for anybody and nobody wants to get burned.

 

The problem for Mooney pursuing this engine is it is only 180hp. They have been claiming a 200hp version is "very soon" for a while now. They state they are planning a 300-400hp version, but that is just digital drawings and dreams at this point. I'm sure they have spoken with the new Mooney and I'm sure Mooney is planning diesel power for export sales, but I suspect they are looking for a bigger engine. As Delta Hawk is an American company and they have a compelling product, I do hope them the best and I hope they prevail. It is a tough road.

[carusoam]

Good you limited it to THOSE Chinese.

Because the ones here clearly aren't the ones you are after.

I would take offense because one wrong doesn't deserve another.

Being part of the Mooney community is enjoyable because we are open to people of all backgrounds.

You may want to think more while you type.

There is nothing about China or communism that I would like to keep.

But confusing these two with the people of Chinese heritage is a tad out of line.

Clearly, I don't understand what you typed or what you meant.

It comes across like a hateful anti-Chinese rant.

We have a section for political commentary. It's probably better left there.

Best regards,

-a-

[bonal]

Actually I was just joking around but I really would not be surprised if they tried to add 2 seats. I have no issue with the people of China. I don't however like their system of govt. And as I see in the news the people of china are becoming more active about their freedoms and human rights issues and sooner or later their govt. is not going to be able to stop the power of freedom as they become more aware of the true power of that word. My comment was about the fact that a Mooney is a great aircraft and what they need there as there are vast areas not serviced by roads that a fast efficient aircraft can overcome.

Take a deep breath and keep in mind I was making a point about a tuff resilient people. If someone called me a "gritty little sucker" I would take it as a compliment.

And as a side note I always find it interesting if someone says something that someone else does not agree with or dislikes their first reaction is to censer that person.

[carusoam]

My first reaction was to ask for clarification.

Then let you know how I was understanding what you typed.

It could be a regional difference in the English language?

It might be helpful to add your location up by your avatar.

I just find the accidental Chinese bashing improper.

Sure the guy at the top of Mooney is Chinese. He said so.

He also has a couple of high end technical degrees as well.

Which will make him better for the job?

Best regards,

-a-

[John Pleisse]

The Chinese will learn there is a right way and wrong way with general aviation, as they have with all of their other teething in business and capital responsibility. We had a delightful chat about this.

 

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/13116-superior-aviation-town-in-china/

[fantom]

Being part of the Mooney community is enjoyable because we are open to people of all backgrounds.....

It comes across like a hateful anti-Chinese rant.

-a-

Even unkempt guys with Stinky Pants and checkerboard tailed yankee gas passers

We should be most thankful that Mooney was 'saved' by the up and coming Chinese. In time, they may do the same for the world.

[aviatoreb]

Even unkempt guys with Stinky Pants and checkerboard tailed yankee gas passers

We should be most thankful that Mooney was 'saved' by the up and coming Chinese. In time, they may do the same for the world.

 

I love the Cessna sweatshirt.