Abstract: The idea of using dielectric barrier discharge plasma device to act as pilot flame was put forward for combustion stability enhancement.The plasma was generated by the plasma actuators placed on the expansion section of the combustor.The plasma actuators were switched on all the time in combustion.The plasma acted as the pilot flame can enhance the combustion stability and prevent the blow off of combustion.The advantages of the plasma pilot flame device included simple structure,low power consumption,on line parameters adjustment and free influence of combustor design.Effects of the plasma actuation on lift flame in the swirl combustor were investigated.In the experiment the flame structure was observed by the planar laser induced fluorescence.With the increase of the power consumption the flame was dragged to the ejector and the reaction was more compact.These demonstrate that the plasma pilot flame device can enhance combustion stability and prevent flame blow off.The idea of using dielectric barrier discharge plasma device to act as the pilot flame is feasible.