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Austro Engine
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2010) |
Austro Engine is an Austrian manufacturer of aircraft engines based at Wiener Neustadt in Lower Austria.
Key Information
History
[edit]The production site and headquarters was built in 2007 with an investment of EUR 13 Million. The company was founded by Diamond Aircraft Industries and partners. The products are reciprocating engines and Wankel engines. The Wankel aero-engines are developed from the MidWest AE series engines developed at Staverton by MidWest, a UK firm that was bought by Diamond.[citation needed]
Products
[edit]Austro Engine E4 (AE 300)
[edit]Reciprocating four-cylinder, four-stroke diesel aircraft engine, marketed as the AE 300, it produces 170 hp (127 kW).[1] Certified through the European Aviation Safety Agency EASA on January 28, 2009 and through the FAA on July 29, 2009. The E4 is installed on various types of Diamond Aircraft Industries aircraft.[2]
Austro Engine AE 330
[edit]Derived from the AE300, the AE 330 produces an increased 180hp (132kW) of power.[3] Two AE330s are used to power the Diamond DA62.
AE50R
[edit]Single rotor Wankel engine with 294 cm3 (18 cu in) displacement, 55 hp (41 kW) and a weight of 28 kg (62 lb).[4] The AE50R is installed on the Schleicher ASH 30, Schleicher ASH 31 and Schiebel Camcopter S-100.
AE75R
[edit]Further development of the AE50R. No certification. Twin rotor, 588 cc (36 cu in), (max) 75 hp (56 kW) at 7000 rpm, 33 kg (73 lb).[5]
AE80R
[edit]Another development of the AE50R with a power output of 80 hp (60 kW), announced in January 2013.[6]
AE200
[edit]3-cylinder inline, 120 hp (89 kW). Intended to power a diesel variant of the Diamond DA20.[citation needed]
AE500
[edit]
Based on Steyr Motors' M1 3.2 liter "Monoblock", the AE500 (6-cylinder, 280 hp (209 kW)) is the result of the cooperation between the two companies. It was intended for use in the Diamond DA50[7] but was instead replaced with the Continental CD-300.[8]
Austro Engine GIAE110R
[edit]Twin rotor Wankel engine with 588 cm3 (36 cu in) displacement, 105 hp (78 kW) and a weight of 54 kg (119 lb). Does not seem to have been placed in production.[4]
See also
[edit]Related lists
References
[edit]- ^ Pope, Stephen (3 December 2015). "We Fly: Diamond DA62". Flying. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ^ "Austro Engine and Diamond Aircraft Receive EASA Type Certification for Turbo Diesel Airplane Engine". Green Car Congress.
- ^ "AE300/AE330 Dimensions" (PDF). Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b Bayerl, Robby; Martin Berkemeier; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2011-12, pages 238-239. WDLA UK, Lancaster UK, 2011. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, pages 256-257. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ Pew, Glann (9 January 2013). "New Rotary Engine From Austro". AVweb. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
- ^ Steyr Motors GmbH (2011-03-03). Steyr Motors and Austro Engine form development partnership for 280hp 6-cylinder aircraft engine (PDF).
- ^ Diamond Aircraft Industries (10 April 2019). Diamond Aircraft DA50 program changes and new engine.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Austro Engine.
Austro Engine
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Austro Engine GmbH is an Austrian aerospace company specializing in the development and production of advanced jet fuel piston engines for general aviation aircraft.[1] Founded in 2007 as a subsidiary of Diamond Aircraft Industries, the company is headquartered in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria, approximately 30 minutes south of Vienna, where it operates a dedicated manufacturing facility adjacent to Diamond's main production site.[2][3]
Austro Engine's core focus is on innovative, efficient diesel engines that operate on widely available jet fuels such as Jet A-1 and JP-8, eliminating the need for aviation gasoline (Avgas) and simplifying aircraft operations for pilots.[4] The company's flagship E4 Series includes the AE300, a 168 horsepower (123.5 kW) four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a displacement of 1,991 cm³ and a weight of 186 kg, and the more powerful AE330, delivering 180 horsepower (132 kW) at takeoff and 171 horsepower (126 kW) continuously, with similar displacement and weight specifications.[4] These engines feature modern common-rail fuel injection, electronic engine control units (EECUs) with redundancy for safety, low vibration levels, and a single power lever design that removes the need for manual mixture control, propeller pitch adjustments, or magneto ignition—innovations that enhance reliability, reduce pilot workload, and prevent issues like shock cooling.[4][1]
Primarily powering Diamond Aircraft models such as the DA40 NG, DA42, and DA62 multi-purpose platform (MPP), Austro engines have accumulated over 4.8 million flight hours across more than 5,500 units as of September 2025, demonstrating their robustness in applications ranging from flight training and private ownership to special missions.[4] Early development efforts also included Wankel rotary engines, with the company developing both piston and rotary variants, the former certified for global use in general aviation, contributing to the broader shift in general aviation toward sustainable, fuel-flexible propulsion systems.[5]
History
Founding and Early Years
Austro Engine GmbH was established in 2007 in Wiener Neustadt, Lower Austria, as a subsidiary of Diamond Aircraft Industries, driven by the need to develop reliable propulsion solutions for general aviation following reliability issues with prior engine suppliers like Thielert AG's Centurion diesels used in the DA42 twin.[6] The company was founded with a focus on advancing engine technologies tailored to modern aircraft demands, marking a strategic move by Diamond to internalize engine production and ensure seamless integration with its airframe designs. The initial purpose of Austro Engine centered on the development and production of state-of-the-art Wankel rotary engines and jet-fuel-compatible piston engines for both civilian and unmanned aerial vehicle applications, emphasizing innovations that could operate on widely available Jet A-1 fuel to simplify logistics and enhance operational efficiency.[7] Early efforts drew on established diesel engine technologies from automotive and industrial partners, adapting compact, high-efficiency designs to aviation standards while prioritizing fuel economy and operational simplicity.[6] These foundational concepts aimed to reduce pilot workload by minimizing the need for manual mixture adjustments and leveraging durable components for extended service intervals, addressing key pain points in light aircraft propulsion.[6] To support this mission, Austro Engine's headquarters and production facility were constructed as a dedicated new building directly adjacent to Diamond Aircraft's expanding factory in Wiener Neustadt, approximately 30 minutes south of Vienna, which fostered close collaboration between engine engineers and aircraft assemblers from the outset.[6] This integrated setup, completed in 2007, enabled rapid prototyping and testing, laying the groundwork for the company's subsequent evolution into the E4 piston and R-series rotary engine families.Key Milestones and Collaborations
In 2010, Austro Engine achieved a significant milestone with the EASA certification of its AE300 turbo-diesel engine, which facilitated its seamless integration into the Diamond DA40 NG aircraft, marking a key step in advancing efficient jet-fuel piston propulsion for general aviation.[8] This certification underscored the engine's reliability and compliance with European aviation standards, enabling broader market adoption. Building on this success, in 2013, the company tested a new rotary engine prototype (AE80R) for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications, leveraging Wankel rotary technology where compact, high power-to-weight ratios are essential.[9] A pivotal collaboration emerged in 2011 between Austro Engine and Steyr Motors, two prominent Austrian engineering firms, to jointly develop the AE500, a 6-cylinder piston engine with 280 horsepower and 3.2-liter displacement derived from the Steyr M1 Monoblock design.[7] This partnership aimed to harness Steyr's expertise in heavy-duty diesel systems to create an advanced aviation powerplant, expanding Austro Engine's portfolio beyond its initial 4-cylinder offerings and fostering innovation in higher-output aircraft propulsion. From 2015 to 2018, Austro Engine expanded its lineup with the AE330 variant, an enhanced iteration of the AE300 designed for increased performance in demanding flight profiles, while also initiating UAV deployments for its rotary engines to meet growing needs in unmanned systems.[10] This period saw a notable production ramp-up, culminating in over 1,000 engines delivered by 2019, supported by advanced FADEC systems that enable fully automated operation, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety.[11] Austro Engine actively participated in major aviation events, such as EAA AirVenture, where it showcased its engines' reliability through demonstrations and fleet integrations, including presentations of Diamond aircraft powered by AE300 series units in 2016.[12] These engagements highlighted the engines' operational robustness and contributed to building industry confidence in Austro's technology during its growth phase.Recent Developments
In the early 2020s, Austro Engine navigated the COVID-19 pandemic by sustaining production levels for its E4 series engines, supporting continued operations in general aviation despite industry-wide disruptions. By 2023, the company's engine fleet had accumulated over 2.5 million flight hours, reflecting robust reliability in service.[13] In 2022, Austro Engine enhanced its reliability programs through the issuance of Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB-E4-039, which mandated oil analysis and piston replacements for E4 and E4P engines to address potential wear and ensure long-term performance. This bulletin, dated October 24, 2022, was incorporated into subsequent airworthiness directives by aviation authorities.[14][15] In 2019, Austro Engine began producing its own engine cores, transitioning from modified automotive diesel blocks to proprietary designs for improved performance and supply chain control.[16] By September 2025, Austro Engine's E4 series had achieved a significant milestone of 4.8 million total flight hours across more than 5,500 installed engines, underscoring their widespread adoption in aircraft like the Diamond DA40 NG and DA42-VI.[4] In January 2025, Jürgen Schwarz was appointed as General Manager of Austro Engine, leveraging his extensive experience in aviation engine development from roles at Continental Aerospace Technologies and as CEO of RED Aircraft to enhance operational efficiency and strategic growth.[17][18] Austro Engine's ongoing research and development emphasizes compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and exploration of advanced propulsion technologies, including hydrogen direct combustion, as demonstrated by its dedicated SAF program launched in 2023 and hosting of the International Conference on Sustainable Aviation Fuels in May 2025; efforts also extend to potential integrations for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within broader market trends, though no major new engine announcements occurred by late 2025.[19][20][21][22] Post-2020, Austro Engine faced supply chain challenges common to the aviation sector, which were mitigated through increased reliance on local sourcing within Austria to support production continuity.[23]Engine Technology
Piston Engine Innovations
Austro Engine's piston engines are designed as liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder, four-stroke diesel configurations, optimized for aviation applications and capable of operating on Jet A1 fuel to align with turbine engine logistics in general aviation.[24] These engines feature a displacement of 1,991 cm³, a maximum RPM of 2,300, and torque outputs exceeding 500 Nm, providing a robust framework for reliable performance in light aircraft.[4] The design emphasizes commonality with jet fuels, enabling global operational flexibility without the need for specialized avgas supplies.[24] A core innovation is the integration of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which automates engine management by eliminating manual adjustments for mixture, ignition, priming, and propeller controls, thereby reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety.[24] The FADEC system includes redundant electronic engine control units for failsafe operation and incorporates automatic prevention of shock cooling, mitigating risks associated with rapid power reductions during descent.[4] This technology simplifies startup and operational procedures, allowing a single power lever to manage all critical functions.[24] Efficiency is achieved through a high compression ratio of 17.5:1, which supports superior thermal efficiency in the diesel cycle, combined with turbocharging to maintain power output at higher altitudes.[25] Low vibration levels are ensured by a precisely balanced crankshaft, contributing to smoother operation and reduced structural stress on the airframe.[24] These features collectively enable fuel consumption rates as low as 19 liters per hour at 60% power, underscoring the engines' role in promoting sustainable aviation.[4] The fuel system employs common-rail direct injection for precise fuel delivery, which optimizes combustion, lowers emissions, and facilitates compatibility testing with unleaded fuels to further reduce environmental impact.[24] Maintenance is streamlined without the need for cowl flaps, as the liquid-cooling system handles temperature regulation automatically, and run-up procedures are simplified via FADEC diagnostics.[4] The time between overhaul (TBO) stands at 1,800 hours, reflecting the design's durability and ease of servicing.[26] These engines power aircraft such as the Diamond DA42, where their innovations enhance overall mission efficiency.[24]Rotary Engine Design
The Austro Engine rotary engines employ the Wankel cycle, a type of internal combustion engine that uses an eccentric shaft and a triangular rotor housed within an epitrochoidal chamber to convert pressure into rotating motion, eliminating reciprocating parts for smoother operation and significantly reduced vibration compared to traditional piston engines.[27] This design principle allows for a continuous rotary motion, where the rotor performs intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust phases in a single revolution of the eccentric shaft, providing inherent balance and minimal mechanical stress.[27] Key design features include liquid cooling using a 50% glycol-water mixture to manage thermal loads, complemented by forced air cooling for the rotor core, enabling high operational RPMs up to 7,750.[27] The engines operate on a four-stroke cycle with porting for intake and exhaust, fueled by AVGas 100LL or RON 95 unleaded gasoline, and incorporate electronic control unit (ECU)-managed ignition with surface discharge spark plugs for precise timing and variable advance.[27] Lubrication is achieved via a metered synthetic oil pump, ensuring compatibility with aviation standards while minimizing oil consumption.[27] These rotary engines offer exceptional power-to-weight ratios, such as approximately 2 horsepower per kilogram, and compact dimensions that facilitate integration into space-constrained applications like unmanned aerial vehicles.[27] The reduced parts count—lacking pistons, connecting rods, and complex valvetrains—enhances reliability, with ECU oversight further improving efficiency and durability.[27] To address inherent Wankel challenges like sealing, the design incorporates advanced apex configurations for improved longevity, though specific material enhancements are proprietary.[28] Noise is mitigated through integrated mufflers, contributing to overall operational suitability.[9] Scalability is achieved through modular configurations, ranging from single-rotor units with 294 cm³ displacement to twin-rotor setups at 588 cm³, allowing power output adjustments without compromising the core rotary architecture.[27] This flexibility supports varied mission profiles while maintaining the advantages of low vibration and high RPM capability.[27]Products
AE300 and AE330 Piston Engines
The AE300 and AE330 are liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, inline, four-stroke diesel piston engines from Austro Engine's E4 series, designed for general aviation aircraft and capable of operating on jet fuel such as Jet A-1.[29] These engines feature a displacement of 1,991 cm³, achieved with a bore of 83 mm and a stroke of 92 mm, and incorporate a turbocharger for enhanced performance.[25] They are equipped with an integrated Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for precise fuel and ignition management, along with an electric starter and a 150-amp alternator providing approximately 1.8 kW of electrical output.[30] The AE300 (E4 model) delivers a maximum takeoff power and continuous power of 123.5 kW (168 hp) at 2,300 RPM, with a maximum torque of 512 Nm.[29] Its dry weight is 186 kg, and fuel consumption is rated at 35 l/h at 100% power and 19 l/h at 60% power.[29] The AE330 (E4P model) builds on the AE300 design with an upgraded turbocharger and electronic engine control unit software modifications, enabling higher output while maintaining the same displacement, weight, and overall dimensions.[31] It provides a maximum takeoff power of 132 kW (180 hp) at 2,300 RPM and a continuous power of 126 kW (171 hp), with a maximum torque of 550 Nm; fuel consumption increases slightly to 39 l/h at 100% power and 21 l/h at 60% power.[29] This results in approximately 7% greater power compared to the AE300, offering improved performance in hot and high-altitude conditions without added weight or size penalties.[29] Both engines received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification, with the AE300 approved on January 28, 2009, and the AE330 as a supplemental certification on March 26, 2015.[32] As of September 2025, more than 5,500 units of the E4 series, including the AE300 and AE330, have been produced, reflecting their reliability and adoption in certified aviation applications.[29]| Specification | AE300 (E4) | AE330 (E4P) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Takeoff Power | 123.5 kW (168 hp) | 132 kW (180 hp) |
| Continuous Power | 123.5 kW (168 hp) | 126 kW (171 hp) |
| Max. Torque | 512 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Dry Weight | 186 kg | 186 kg |
| Fuel Consumption (100%/60%) | 35/19 l/h | 39/21 l/h |
| Displacement | 1,991 cm³ | 1,991 cm³ |