Emerging Outboard Engine Technology

SOCOM needs a new generation of high power density, multi-fuel, lig htweight, compact outboard engines of 30, 55, and 70 HP. Tactical use by special operations forces (SOF) requires they incorporate increased stealth capabilities, be submersible, be simple to set up and operate by one person of limited technical skills, and reliable with minimum maintenance. A weight/size reduction of 50% is desired. No commercially availaable products, foreign or domestic, meet this specification. AED Corp. proposes to combine its developed heavy fuel burning spark-igcited, direct-injected, nonhomogeneus charge combustion engine technology with the emerging commercial electronic direct-injected gasoline engine technology to develop an outboard engine with the most potential to meet SOCOM requirements. This engine also has applications for unmanned aircraft, generators, and other platforms thoughout the military. A major outboard OEM will provide AED tecnical and hardware support. An exhaustive investigation and evaluation of identifiable alternative multi-fuel engine and fuel injection system technologies will be made. A detailed analysis of current outboard weight and development of innovative new concepts for lightweight compact outboards will be made. The best choice technologies will be combined in a conceptional design. AED proposes a Phase I Option; a dyno test evaluation of burning jeo fuels in a new commercial orbital type direct-injected outboard engine.