Detroit Diesel Engine Division of General Motors Corporation has reported that its 280-hp industrial gas-turbine is scheduled for initial production in mid-1971 following extensive field testing. Long-run plans call for a series of four basic gas-turbine models ranging up to 2,000-hp.
In making the announcement, C. W. Truxell, the division's general manager stated, "Eventually the turbine will supplement our diesel engine sales which reached record shipments of over 95,000 units in 1968. Our future outlook for diesel engine sales is so strong that we fully expect new records for 1969."
From the beginning of the gas-turbine project, Detroit Diesel has designed its industrial gas-turbine for use in a variety of industries ranging from construction equipment and marine applications to generator sets and highway trucks and buses. Currently, diesels are sold to these markets through 630 manufacturers for use in more than 3,800 different applications; Detroit Diesel's gas-turbine is intended to enhance and broaden the division's power coverage in all markets.
The time from now until the scheduled initial production date of mid-1971 will be taken up by an extensive field testing program. It is expected that initial sales would be to the markets most in need of the turbine's unique advantages. Among these unique advantages are: compact size, light weight, vibrationless operation, low exhaust emissions, low noise level, low oil consumption and easy starting.