A developer of multi-fuel general aviation engines based in Racine, Wisconsin, has announced investment from the Ruud family, which sold its successful lighting business for $525 million in 2011.

This funding, which gives the Ruuds controlling interest, allows for the expansion of DeltaHawk’s factory to produce deisel aviation engines for the commercial market, and the completion of research and development (R&D) for higher horsepower engines used primarily in general aviation airplanes. “Our experience in transitioning innovative ideas from R&D to full-scale production is a perfect fit with DeltaHawk,” says family head, Alan Ruud. “This company has great business potential and a keen focus on the pulse of the industry and their customers.”

In response to the US’s Clean Air Act, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mandate that requires the general aviation industry to transition away from leaded aviation gasoline (AvGas), DeltaHawk plans to test and certify their multi-fuel (Diesel or Jet-A) 160-200 horsepower engine family for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

The new engine is smaller and, the company claims, approximately 35% more efficient than AvGas-burning engines and can fly further on less fuel and at lower costs. Also, it says, the pioneering design can maintain 100% power up to 18,000ft.

DeltaHawk’s engineering has been led by Doug Doers, a co-founder of the company who will continue to implement this vision as Chief Technology Officer.

Once they have been certified, manufacturing and sales of the engines will begin.

“Not only is the DeltaHawk engine an industry game-changer but it will also be impactful to our local community as we hire in anticipation of beginning production,” said son of the founder, Christopher Ruud.

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