Will diesel aircraft engines enter the medium size market?

Question

With the recent surging popularity of diesel engines in small aircraft, is it reasonable to see 20-50 seat aircraft going diesel? Zoche seems to think so and they predict in the future a 2,000 SHP model might be possible. Their 300 already has a 1.2 to 1 HP to weight ratio. I wonder what the next generation will bring?

Answer 1

It is unlikely because the market of 20-50 seat aircraft are burning Jet A fuel which is essentially kerosene and while it is more expensive then diesel it isn't currently worth the costs to switch over.  There are additional concerns with diesel because it can not operate at colder temperatures (-15C) where airliners normally operate (-40C).  There are additives that can help this, but they are costly.  

Smaller aircraft (below 10 passengers) have recently tried to get diesel engines for their aircraft since it is so much cheaper then the currently used 100LL, but the recent bankruptcy of Thielert AG and Cessna's cancellation of their Diesel model may doom the trend.  Diamond is also frantically searching for a new engine to replace the Thielert engines (most likely an io-360) on its DA42 Twin Star.

Answer 2

makes no sense

Answer 3

It doesnt make much sense, turbines are more reliable, and time is money, a lot of money, in the airline business.