A New Light Sport Engine Is Also Ready For Tests
By Robbie Culver
Lycoming engines' iE2 propulsion
system was flown into EAA Airventure 2009 on a Lancair Evolution,
as the company advances product technology that it believes
establishes a new benchmark in electronic engine control. As
lycoming anounced at EAA Airventure in 2008, the product has been
in demonstration mode since 2007. Now, after making its maiden
flight on July 2, 2009, the system is being tested and calibrated
as the certification program advances.
Ian Walsh, Lycoming Senior vice president and general manager
stated in a July 27th press release that "the promise of
single-lever operation, automated preflight safety checks,
automotive start simplicity, will dramatically reduce pilot
workload and revolutionize the general aviation landscape."
The iE2 system is presented by Lycoming as a way to "increase
fuel efficiency, reliability, and make alternative fuel consumption
possible without major hardware changes" according to Walsh. The
current installation is on a 350HP high-performance, twin
turbocharged intercooled 540 cubic inch TEO-540-A1A intended for
use as a platform for FAA certification.
Also announced at Oshkosh was the Lycoming IO-233-LSA light
sport aviation engine (below), to be certified at a continuous
power rating of 116HP with a planned TBO of 2400 hours. This new
engine, which enters production testing immediately following EAA
Airventure 2009, is based on extensive customer feedback, ongoing
engineering analysis, and initial prototype test results. As part
of the changes to the engine, Lycoming modified the electronic
ignition system, the induction system, and installed an
engine-mounted fuel pump as an optional feature where lower octane
fuels may be used. As an option for unleaded fuel use, the engine
will be approved for use with both ASTM D910 100LL and 93 AKI ASTM
D484 / EN 228 automotive fuels that are considered in conformance
of Lycomings specifications.
The new engine combines the strength and reliability of the
Lycoming O-235 engine, with less weight and the capability for the
engine to use unleaded fuels. Shipments of the non-certified
version are planned for the 4th quarter of 2009 with engine
certification and first customer shipment expected in first quarter
2010.
Lycoming Authorized Service Centers provide a baseline of
exclusive customer service and support, according to Ian Walsh. A
Lycoming news release stated that as the company will soon
"unleash" this advanced technology on the market, and to improve
aftermarket support for existing Lycoming products, the company has
launched its first network of service centers.
To apply as an authorized service center, the facility must
"meet specified equipment and facility requirements, maintain staff
training levels, meet or exceed required levels of quality and
professionalism and be capable of handling fly-in customers."
Lycomings intention is to grow the program to more than 200
centers, each supported with online training programs.
The new authorized service centers will also be trained for the
company's Echelon STC program. This STC program was first announced
July 28, 2008 at EAA AIrventure, and this years annoucement was
that the program has been expanded to include the IO-390-A3A6 in
three legacy Mooney aircraft M20 models. The certified IO-390 is
rated at 210HP, with specially developed cylinders, roller tappets,
and a tuned inuction system.
Lycoming's final announcement at the opening day news conference
was the company's expanded role in the development and testing of
alternative fuel technologies for the aircraft engine market of the
future. These efforts include working to define the next general
aviation fuels as a replacement for 100LL, including 100SF, a
renewable fuel currently being tested.
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