MW54 Turbo Prop Engine [MW54TPE]

Part No: MW54TPE

Mk 3 Turbo prop for Graupner Raven (Feb 05)

We have developed a new version of the turboprop for the Graupner Raven using the same engine mounts provided in the Graupner kit. Jason Fletcher has received the first of these new units and will be fitting it to the Graupner plane. The unit has a new exhaust, the new fod screen intake. We have taken the opportunity to revamp the size of the prop shaft and gears to take more power later. The unit runs very cool, the unit below was run for 15 minutes before being sent off to the customer. The Mk 3 Turbo prop is happy with a 28" X 10" prop. We have also run a 30" X 10" at 4,500rpm. The power levels are very considerable and are sufficient to 'prop hang' as demonstrated by Thomas Gliesner with the Airworld Turbo-raven. The engine and power shaft has always run very cool and is happy to run at full gas generator rpm (160,000 rpm) without overheating.

Turbo prop Mk 2 (Sept 2003)

We have made significant improvements to the turbo prop. The engine has been slightly updated and we have developed a new much improved cast power turbine wheel. Other small improvements have also been made. The result is that the unit develops significantly more power than in its original form. We are getting 50 lbs static thrust (which equates to 8.2Hp) at a core engine speed of 160K. The price is unchanged. We can now offer revised gear ratios to suit larger prop sizes (up to 30 inch) for really big applications. You will need to discuss your requirements with us before ordering if you need special requirements.

We have been delighted that the original design has now been well proven with customers flying very frequently in the 2003 season. The turbo prop core engine has proved very reliable and easy starting. All turbo props are set up with autostart using the standard Fadec Autostart to control the core engine to the specified parameters.

The unit is amazingly responsive and throttles up much like an ic engine, particularly from normal flying throttle setting. There has been no need to develop a variable pitch prop because of the response. This makes a considerable saving in cost and avoids large repair bill if there is the inevitable accident with a nose over on landing.

So far the planes that have flown with the turbop prop are the Jamara Turbo porter (which was Wrens original test bed), 2 sizes of Tucano the Turbo raven of ATI and the Extra 300. Considerable experience is being gained on suitable prop sizes for these airframes, contact Wren by Email if you need help.

The power levels are simply astonishing. The engine can produce more than 3 times the power of the engine unit on its own. Max power is approx 7.1 Hp or 5.1 Kw. Tests have been concluded at 155K rpm on a 21" X 10" prop. The temperature is still cool enough to increase revs but this would exceed the safe speed of the prop. The static thrust is in the order of 30- 35lbs. At these power levels the Workmate is starting to try and take off and a more solid stand or extra helpers are needed. Idle is currently set at 45K which gives 1,700 rpm on the 21" X10" prop.

The weight of the unit including engine and gearbox is 1.6KG. Fuel consumption on the prototype was 0.0383 grams/sec/N or 3.8 grams/sec at 18 lbs thrust. This compares to a pure jet KJ66 at 0.0522 grams/sec/N at a similar thrust.

The unit is using the FADEC autostart in full autostart mode.

The success of the turbo prop is due to the careful shaping of the gas flow in the secondary NGV and the Spider that forms the exhaust shroud. These complex castings have been made using Wren's in house mould making skills, building on the knowledge gained in making the moulds for the 44, 54 and 66 mm engines. The power turbine is specially designed and matched to the MW54 gas generator.