Piper Aircraft yesterday announced the introduction of a diesel-powered version of their PA-44 Seminole twin trainer.
The Seminole DX will be powered by twin 180-hp Deltahawk DHK4A180 motors capable of burning turbine fuel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) once it is approved.
Both Piper and Deltahawk are anticipating a 35% reduction in fuel burn over the current Seminole, coupled with a 32% improvement in the single-engine climb rate and a 70% improvement in the single-engine absolute ceiling.
“The market has been heard, loud and clear regarding the need for a reliable, cost-effective, heavy fuel, multi-engine training platform,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft.
“The new Seminole DX fills that market void perfectly. Based on interest received since our MOU announcement last year, we anticipate global market demand for the Seminole DX to be between 25 to 40 aircraft per year over the next 10 years.
"The DeltaHawk team has been a pleasure to work with over the past 16 months as they epitomize quality and customer focus. Future collaborations are in process as well.”
Piper will fit the Deltahawk engine via a Piper-owned STC, and has signed a 20-year exclusive supply agreement with Deltahawk. The two companies are also exploring future possibilities for the PA-28 and PA-46.
“The installation of our certified DHK engine in the legendary Piper Seminole is a perfect match with our industry-unique features to provide the lowest cost of ownership and the simplest and safest multi-engine training platform ever,” said Christopher Ruud, Chief Executive Officer of DeltaHawk Engines.
“Just as important, we see this new 20-year agreement not just in terms of engines, but also as a wonderful step by Piper, utilising DeltaHawk’s powerful innovation, while creating environmental sustainability for general aviation worldwide.”
Piper will start certification flight testing in November, and expects to deliver the first airframes to customers in late 2026 or early 2027.