November 6, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
William Cahalin
bcahalin@kellyaerospace.com
334.386.3621
Bruce Bohannon Sets Three World Records...
Accomplished with Kelly Aerospace Turbochargers!
On October 22, 2002 Bruce Bohannon successfully set three worlds records in his Exxon Flyin' Tiger fitted
with a Kelly Aerospace turbocharger and intercooler. The three records are: 1) Time to Climb to 12,000
Meters - the first piston airplane to do that since the 1950's when records began to be kept; 2) Altitude in
Horizontal Flight - over 41,000 feet; and 3) Absolute Altitude - over 41,000 feet.
When Bruce approached Kelly Aerospace to assist him in his attempt at breaking these records, we
enthusiastically offered support. Bruce's track record is impressive and the challenge and opportunity to
assist him in "pushing the envelope" was just too exciting to pass up.
Bruce's attempt presented several unique requirements for turbocharging. Although Bruce would be going
to altitude, which is the fundamental purpose of turbocharging conventional aircraft, the requirements for the
Exxon Flyin' Tiger were far from conventional. First, the aircraft would be required to ascend to more than
twice the altitude of the typical design point of most turbocharged aircraft. Also, Bruce did not have enough
time to allow for significant modifications to be made to the engine. Because Bruce already had excellent
experience with the Mattituck engine in a naturally aspirated configuration and the manifold pressure
required for his attempt would not be boosted above what he already had experience with, the compression
ratio of 12:1 could be maintained. However, compressing air to maintain manifold pressure to altitude,
especially to 41,000 feet, will significantly increase engine induction air temperatures. This high induction air
temperature, coupled with the 12:1 compression ratio, could lead to detonation and serious engine
problems. Kelly Aerospace's solution was to design and build a highly efficient turbocharger capable of
providing the engine sufficient manifold pressure up to 41,000 feet as well as an intercooler capable of
cooling the compressor discharge air temperature down to acceptable limits in the very thin air of this high
altitude.
The key to success in working with the Bohannon team was good communication, teamwork, flexibility in the
design phase, and enthusiasm in striving for a common goal. Congratulations to Bruce and his team!
About Kelly Aerospace:
Kelly Aerospace, Inc, headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, is a leading subsystem supplier to general aviation OEM and
aftermarket customers. The Kelly Aerospace organization is: Kelly Aerospace Power Systems, Inc. manufacturing facilities and corporate offices in Montgomery, Alabama; Kelly Aerospace Turbine Rotables, Inc. an FAA certified repair
station located in Wichita, Kansas; Turbonetics, Inc. manufactures turbochargers and performance automotive products
based out of Simi Valley, California; and Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems, LLC. manufactures air conditioning and ice
protection systems for general aviation aircraft. Thermal Systems design and development facility is in Willoughby, Ohio. For more information visit: WWW.KELLYAEROSPACE.COM
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