Instructional aircraft Seminole DX

twin-enginepiston engine

Overview
The Seminole DX, planned for model year 2027, is a diesel-powered evolution of Piper Aircraft's twin-engine trainer. It pairs twin DeltaHawk DHK 180 engines with the Garmin G1000® integrated flight deck, delivering improved fuel economy, extended range and compatibility with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The DX retains the Seminole's stable handling characteristics while adopting a jet-fuel-compatible engine architecture aimed at reducing operating costs for flight schools.

Key Features

• Twin DeltaHawk DHK 180 engines (diesel/jet-fuel-compatible architecture)
• Garmin G1000® integrated avionics suite
• Compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
• Reduced fuel burn and operating costs versus the current Seminole (preliminary)
• Designed for multi-engine flight training and instruction

Performance Highlights

• Max Cruise Speed: 178.2 KTAS (330 km/h) — preliminary
• Max Range: 1,083 nm (2,006 km) — preliminary

Specifications (comparison)

• Fuel burn (75% power @ 6,000 ft): Current Seminole 23.3 GPH → Seminole DX 15.1 GPH (≈35% improvement)
• Single-engine climb rate (2,000 ft, 100% power): Current 122 FPM → Seminole DX 161 FPM (≈32% improvement)
• Single-engine absolute ceiling: Current 5,000 ft → Seminole DX 8,500 ft (≈70% improvement)

Note
Performance metrics are preliminary and subject to final certification testing.

Technical specifications

• Commercial designation / model: Seminole DX
• Manufacturer / Brand: Piper Aircraft
• Planned model year launch: 2027
• Engines: Twin DeltaHawk DHK 180 (diesel/jet-fuel-compatible architecture)
• Avionics: Garmin G1000® integrated flight deck
• Max cruise speed (preliminary): 178.2 KTAS (330 km/h)
• Max range (preliminary): 1,083 nm (2,006 km)
• Fuel burn (75% power @ 6,000 ft) comparison: Current 23.3 GPH → DX 15.1 GPH (~35% improvement)
• Single-engine climb rate (2,000 ft, 100% power): Current 122 FPM → DX 161 FPM (~32% improvement)
• Single-engine absolute ceiling: Current 5,000 ft → DX 8,500 ft (~70% improvement)
• Compatibility: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) compatible
• Target use: Multi-engine trainer for flight schools
• Certification / data status: Performance and metrics preliminary; subject to final certification testing