Introduces A 6 Cylinder 330-400 HP Project In The Test Stage

By Tom Woodward

SMA, a French company and subsidiary of Snecma, part of the Safran group, is teaming with Cessna for the launch of the Cessna 182 JT-A. The SF305-230E is an engine designed for the aviation industry and not a rehashed engine designed from the auto industry. Weighing in at 455, SMA claims that the net difference in weight with the Lycoming is only an additional 15 pounds. The SF305-230E produces 230 HP with a TBO of 2400 hours which will help to offset the $70,000 cost. Of course this price will be absorbed into the initial price of the of the C182 as well as OAP, the Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer. Since SMA is marketing, at least initially to the OEM market, you can't buy one to put into your experimental. Unlike many diesel that are water-cooled, the SMA is air and oil cooled and turbocharged which allows it to maintain takeoff power up to 10,000 feet with a certified ceiling of 20,000. In fact in test the engine has been run at 115% of power with no ill effects.

The electronic control unit (ECU) optimizes engine start, maintains idle speeds, controls all power settings and automatically provides maximum power according to ambient conditions (pressure, temperatures).

SMA's latest project, in the testing phase is the six cylinder, SR-460 which will provide between 330-400 HP, utilizing two turbo charger. The length of the engine is reduced by moving the fuel pumps from the rear of the engine to the upper part of the engine above the camshaft. Though the engine displayed at AirVenture was a working prototype, weight is expected to be in the high 500-low 600 lbs.

To service and support, SMA in an agreement with Lycoming, have set up training centers in both France and Grand Prairie, Texas. Through a cooperative effort with Tarrant Community College in Texas, both hands on training and online training are provided to certify the A&P to work on Diesels engines. Publications are supported by ATP.

SMA moves slowly and with caution in the evolution of their engines. They seem uninterested in covering the mass market, if there is one that exists, by taking on only a few new projects and customers each year and even though many think that Diesel engines are the way of the future, the cost difference is a big stumbling block that SMA chooses to overcome slowly.

FMI: www.smaengines.com