Certified Four Seat Model To Use Continental IO-360-AF
Engine
The specifications for Flight Design's new four-place C4 are
becoming a bit more clear. The German company announced last week
that Continental Motors’ new IO-360-AF has been selected as
the engine for the company’s four seat C4 entry currently
under development. A full-scale mockup of the new certified
aircraft was initially shown overseas at Aero in Friedrichshafen,
Germany and in the USA at AirVenture 2011.
“Flight Design is pleased to announce selection for the
avgas/alternative fuel engine, which will be the initial engine
offering for the C4” noted John Doman, Director of Business
Development and Global Sales & Marketing for Flight Design
GmbH. “However, Flight Design remains committed to also
offer a diesel engine operating on widely available Jet A, but the
decision on the heavy fuel engine will come later.”
“We are excited Flight Design selected Continental Motors
to power their newest aircraft,” said Rhett Ross, President,
Continental Motors. “We think the IO360-AF engine, which is
designed for alternative fuels, is the perfect fit for Flight
Design’s new C4 aircraft and further demonstrates
Continental’s reputation for delivering innovative products
that are backed by an experienced staff and a 100-year
history,” continued Ross.
Flight Design conducted a thorough review of the current engine
suppliers and their technologies and decided Continental offered
the best fit for the C4. The new 6-cylinder IO-360-AF (Alternative
Fuel) being developed by Continental Motors for the C4 will be able
to operate on 100LL avgas as well as alternative fuel(s) to 100LL.
“This was a key prerequisite for Flight Design and our C4
customers, as the future of 100LL is uncertain at best,”
explained Doman. Beyond the alternative fuel advantage, the IO-360
series from Continental has an excellent reputation for
reliability, long life and smooth operation.
Flight Design Image
Being rated in other airframe installations at up to 210
horsepower, the IO-360-AF engine is able to be easily de-tuned to
the 180 horsepower range required for the C4, producing that power
at a reduced 2550 RPM, resulting in quieter operation and less
stress on the engine, promising reliable and trouble-free operation
over the lifetime of the engine. The Continental engine offers a
2,000 hour TBO, and is backed by Continental’s industry
leading warranty and service support.
Flight Design’s is planning first flights of the C4
prototype in 2012 with certification later that year or 2013.
Customer deliveries will begin following certification, with some
C4 “Early Bird” special promotion incentive delivery
positions still available.