GAMI: Propelling
aircraft engines into the future
By James Wynbrandt
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The latest GAMISPEC
TNIO-550 engine with PRISM electronic ignition. Photo by Dave Higdon |
General aviation is being
transformed by innovations like composite materials, glass-panel
cockpits, and real-time weather displays. But one important part of
general aviation seems stuck in the last century: the engines that power
most of our aircraft. For several years, General Aviation Modifications
Inc. (GAMI), of Ada, Oklahoma, has been producing aftermarket products
to change that situation. Its GAMI fuel injectors, for example, enable
piston-powered aircraft engines to operate much more efficiently. Here
at EAA AirVenture, visitors can learn about the technology GAMI is
currently developing that could help propel aviation powerplants into
the future.
The PRISM (pressure
reactive intelligent spark management) electronic ignition system is one
such innovation. It uses fiber optic pressure sensors in each cylinder
to optimize spark timing and achieve maximum brake torque.
"We can make both
significantly more power, and also deal with knock characteristics so
effectively that we can run it on lower octane fuel and still have no
unacceptable knock characteristics," said GAMI President Tim Roehl
at the company’s booth (North Hangar C, 3005-3006). "The pilot’s
going to get on the order of 8 to 10 percent more horsepower at the same
fuel flow, or the same percentage reduction in fuel flow at the same
horsepower, or any combination in between."
As part of the
installation the magnetos are removed.
"Because it’s
electronic as opposed to mechanical, there are much fewer moving
parts," Roehl said.
The fiber-optic pressure
sensors connect to the cylinders through specially made Champion spark
plugs. Roehl says the PRISM system will cost about $5,000, and estimates
certification is about 18 months away.
"We’re currently
hard at work refining the durability and lowering the cost of the fiber
optic pressure sensors," Roehl said.
GAMI is also developing a
supplemental alternator it’s dubbed the Supplenator to provide a
backup power supply in the event of an in-flight electrical failure.
Unlike other backup systems, no battery voltage is required to bring the
system on line. The Supplenator "should be available later this
year," said Roehl. Also displaying its wares in the GAMI booth is
sister company Tornado Alley Turbo, which has developed turbonormalized
engine conversions. While currently only available in the aftermarket
for Bonanzas (about $45,000 installed), this week at AirVenture Cirrus
announced plans to offer factory-installed turbonormalized conversions
on new SR22 aircraft.
"We have tackled electronic
components, engine modifications like GAMI injectors, and structural
modifications," said Roehl, summing up his company’s skunk
works-like products. "Our company is unique."
