Establishes Service Center For New SMA Compression-Ignition 230
HP Aero-Engines
French engine manufacturer SMA has appointed Montreal-based
Nu-Tech Associates Canadian distributor and authorized service
center for the newly-certificated SMA SR 305-230 aero engine.
The engine is a four-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection
configuration powered by Jet A Grade fuel. The engine develops 230
HP. continuous, thereby making it an attractive,
performance-enhancing replacement for a wide variety of existing
Avgas-fueled aircraft. The engine has been retrofitted in a Cessna
182, which Nu-Tech has purchased to serve the dual purposes of
flight demonstrator and a working platform for the design and
integration for future conversions under Supplemental Type
Certificates (STCs).
The engine and propeller controls are single-lever and FADEC
(Full Authority Digital Engine Control), simplifying pilot
workload.
The propeller is manufactured by MT Propeller of Germany, and is
a 78-inch diameter, 3-bladed composite-construction unit.
The STC kit, prior to realizing the residual value of the
existing engine, propeller, accessories and cowlings, is
value-competitive with that of a factory remanufactured engine. The
SMA powerplant includes everything firewall-forward: engine, hoses,
turbocharger, intercoolers, engine mount, propeller, spinner,
cockpit controls and cowlings. Currently delivering a 2,000 hour
time between overhaul (TBO), and an anticipated extension to 3,000
hours, the conversion to the SMA will result in a reduction in
direct operating costs of 50 per cent per flight hour, according to
SMA and Nu-Tech.
Nu-Tech's projections of retrofit installations are two per
month initially, expanding as demand increases. Conversion downtime
is between three and four weeks, including optional cabin and paint
refurbishment.
Denis Major, Nu-Tech president said, "The market for economy and
value has never been stronger, and with Avgas becoming more
expensive and harder to find, the Jet A alternative is ideal.
"The SMA engine has fewer parts, no plugs or magnetos, has a
more efficient fuel burn, costs less to maintain and overhaul, and
is certified to deliver its full 230 horsepower continuously,"
Major added. "We anticipate very strong market interest from a wide
number of aircraft owners, private and commercial alike."
Several STC and OEM programs are in progress for the 230-HP engine.
STC certification is ongoing for the C-182, Socata TB20, and Piper
Seneca twin and PA-28 Dakota single. OEM programs include Cirrus
SR21, Maule M-9, and Partenavia P68 light twin.
A six-cylinder, 300-HP variant is anticipated.
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