DeltaHawk Engines Inc. donated its full-scale working engine cutaway model of its DHK180 engine to the EAA Youth Education Center shortly after the end of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Prior to that, the cutaway model was displayed in the company’s booth outside Hangar D.
Dennis Webb, director of marketing and certification, said EAA asked if DeltaHawk would consider the donation, and they agreed. “I which we had been proactive and thought of it first; we love doing this type of thing,” he said.
“Our passion for aviation runs in our blood,” Dennis said. “We want to see general aviation grow and prosper, and part of that is getting youth engaged and educating them.”
The engine was 20 years in the making and serves as inspiration on how engineers can make old products new.
“Our founder saw the need and was frustrated that airplanes flying were still using 1940s technology,” Dennis said. They’re not fuel efficient, and they’re finicky to operate compared to a car.
While fuel availability isn’t a problem in the United States, it is in other nations. But jet fuel was available everywhere. So DeltaHawk set about to deliver a compact, lightweight, jet-powered diesel engine that would be simple to maintain and offer greater fuel efficiency and fuel availability around the world, Dennis said. Naturally, the engine would also need to be FAA certified.
Dennis said DeltaHawk supports other youth initiatives. It has a relationship with Racine, Wisconsin, high schoolers, hoping to get them passionate about aviation, and they also offer internships for technical school and college students.
“Some never dreamed of an aviation career before they became involved with us,” he said. “But they have gone on to become pilots, AP mechanics, and engineers.”
