Vulcanair Aircraft and DeltaHawk continue development of jet-fueled engine for V1 Trainer

Vulcanair Aircraft and DeltaHawk Engines continue to move forward with the integration of the DeltaHawk DHK jet-fueled piston engine for the Vulcanair V1 single-engine trainer. The development and certification process with the FAA and EASA are progressing, with engineering teams working to finalize the integration details for the V1 platform.

The collaboration is focused on adapting the DHK180 engine to the Vulcanair V1 trainer, with future plans to explore additional applications for the P.68 and A-Viator twin-engine platforms. The DeltaHawk engine's jet-fuel capability presents an attractive solution for regions where leaded avgas is being phased out, offering lower operating costs and enhanced performance at high altitudes—key advantages for flight schools and operators in demanding environments.

“We are confident that the integration of the DeltaHawk DHK engine into the V1 trainer will bring substantial benefits to the training market," said Chris Benaiges, CEO of Vulcanair Aircraft North America. “While we're still fine-tuning the details, the potential for this engine to deliver lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and global fuel availability makes it a game-changer for the industry."

DeltaHawk's FAA-certified DHK180 engine has already undergone extensive flight testing at the company's manufacturing and flight test facility in Racine, Wisconsin. Additional work is underway to finalize firewall-forward integration packages for the V1 platform, and DeltaHawk's 200 and 235 hp variants could expand compatibility across Vulcanair's aircraft lineup in the future.

With the upcoming launch of Vulcanair's U.S. production facility in North Carolina, the partnership with DeltaHawk aligns with the company's broader strategy to provide innovative, fuel-efficient aircraft to the North American market. The first V1 aircraft equipped with the DHK180 is expected to enter flight testing once integration details are finalized, with certification efforts continuing in coordination with regulatory authorities.