FAA Certification Expected "In The Coming Weeks"

The EASA certified the SMA SR305-230E diesel engine for general aviation on January 24. The engine logged 2,500 hours of ground and flight testing for this certification program. Service entry, which is scheduled for early 2012.

SMA305-230 Engine

“This success represents a major step forwards for this engine program. Certification of the SR305-230E by (the FAA) of the United States is expected in the coming weeks”, said Thierry Hurtes, chairman & CEO of SMA.

Based on the results of the certification tests, SMA guarantees Time Between Overhauls (TBO) of 2,000 hours. Rated at 230 shaft horsepower, this engine was developed by SMA (Société de Motorisations Aéronautiques), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snecma (Safran group). It is designed for single- or twin-engine light aircraft.

As a diesel engine purpose-designed for general aviation applications, perfectly matching the needs of aircraft manufacturers and users alike, the SR305-230E sets a new standard in this market. The SR305-230E diesel engine uses widely available Jet A fuel, which means that customers are no longer subject to the cost and availability restrictions of Avgas, and it offers performance fully equivalent to the best gas-powered engines in this power class now on the market.

With the SR305-230E, SMA clearly marks its commitment to the continuous improvement of diesel aircraft engines, in particular with unprecedented fuel savings of 50% in relation to gas-powered engines. The design of the SR305-230E also eliminates all lead emissions and ensures a low level of carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions.

FMI: www.smaengines.com