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Engine choices for light sport and
experimental aircraft just got broader after Lycoming Engines of
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, announced new power options for both
segments Monday at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
In the experimental category, Lycoming’s
new TEO-540-EXP Integrated Electronic Engine (iE2) will now be available
on the Lancair Evolution.
The iE2, a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 350-plus hp engine,
features a single lever that manages all the elements of engine
power: manifold pressure, rpm/prop speed, fuel flow, and ignition
timing—all automatically to deliver optimum power performance.
“You set PLA and go fly a complex
aircraft,” said Michael Kraft, senior vice president and general
manager of Lycoming Engines. “We are extremely proud to be able to
bring this technology to the market.”
Lancair has been operating its
pressurized Evolution kit aircraft with an iE2 for the past year,
serving as a development platform for the engine.
Said Thomas Bowen, Lancair’s chief operating officer, “We are
excited that now Lancair can begin showing the world the product that
has had us smiling for the past six months as the program has come to
its conclusion.”
Bowen flew the iE2 powered Evolution to
AirVenture and reported achieving a true airspeed of 253 knots at Flight
Level 270.
Lycoming plans to offer the experimental
engine only through OEMs. Lancair is pricing the iE2 in the Evolution at
$115,000.
According to Lycoming, the iE2 will be
the first in a family of engines that will include certificated models.
The company reports it has been speaking to OEMs of production aircraft
about using certified versions of the engine, but declined to name the
companies.
Lycoming also announced it is taking
orders for non-certified versions of its 115-hp 233 series LSA engine
first introduced here at AirVenture 2008.
“The engine is light and capable of
running on unleaded automotive fuels as well as aviation gasoline—with
the built-in 235 family reliability customers expect from Lycoming,”
Kraft said.
The engine features dual CDI spark
ignition, an optimized oil sump, streamlined accessory housing,
hydraulically adjusted valve tappets, lightweight starter, and a
lightweight alternator with integral voltage regulator. The 233 offers
continuous power ratings up to 115 hp at 2800 rpm.
Certification is pending.
The standard 233 engine is carbureted,
but Lycoming plans to offer a fuel-injected version as well. The engine
is available through Lycoming’s Thunderbolt line of custom engines.
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