Orenda Studying V-6 Derivative

Encouraged by market response to its recently certificated 600-hp liquid-cooled V-8, Toronto's Orenda Recip (Booth 8390) is studying a six-cylinder variant of the OE-600A that would deliver 350 to 500 hp. Both turbocharged and normally aspirated versions are contemplated.

The V-6 is being targeted for possible installation in Piper Malibus, Beech Bonanzas and Dukes, and possibly Cessna 421s and Piper Pressurized Navajos. The smaller powerplant would be certificated with the electronic ignition or a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system for which the company is seeking a Supplemental Type Certificate on the OE-600A. Approval of the FADEC is expected in about a year.

Orenda is concurrently developing a 750-hp turbocharged version of the V-8, which should be ready in 12 months as well.

The original Orenda V-8 is being flight tested in a Beech King Air C90B and a Rockwell Twin Commander. King Air conversions will be done by Stevens Aviation of Greenville, SC. Dakota Commander of Bismarck, ND, will do Commander conversions. The King Air STC is expected to be granted within three months, while the Commander approval is anticipated in April 1999.

A total of eight STC programs are underway to install the Orenda V-8 in existing airframes. Orenda believes that as many as 8,000 aircraft may be candidates for its engines, including conversions of older radial-powered aircraft such as the DHC-3 Otter.

Orenda officials say that their engine appeals not so much to existing turboprop users looking to retrofit with piston engines, but to piston aircraft operators looking to step up to turboprop-like performance at a lower cost. They say initial flight tests of the V-8 in the King Air and Commander "reflect marked improved performance over their original engine installations." Low vibration and noise, shorter takeoff runs, improved rates of climb, better cruise speed and lower fuel consumption are some of the benefits.

Orenda recently opened a 42,000-square-foot engine manufacturing and aircraft conversion plant in Debert, Nova Scotia, near Halifax. The factory, which is expected to employ 110 people, will have the capacity to produce 60 engines per month.

For the longer term, Orenda may seek approval for the use of low-octane fuels, including auto gas, in its engines. They currently use 100LL.