More Power... And We Mean LOTS More!
Aero-News received word this week that during the Reno Air Races
in Sparks, NV last month, Performance Turbo Conversions introduced
a new 350 hp, twin turbocharged firewall forward engine conversion
for the Glasair III aircraft line -- taking the fastest Glasair
trophy in the process, while running 315.722 mph in the Gold Sport
Class Races.
The turbo engine package -- dubbed the "III-XP" – was
developed by Grant Semanskee of Performance Turbo Conversions in
Snohomish, WA and installed by Kevin Eldridge of SLO Air Inc., in
San Luis Obispo, CA. It was Eldridge who then raced it in the Reno
Air Races, to obtain valuable installation and performance
data.
"We decided to run the prototype III-XP installation at the Reno
Air Races to gain valuable installation and performance data under
the extreme conditions of the harsh race environment", said
Semanskee. "However, it is important to note that the III-XP
package is not a 'race only' engine installation. It utilizes a
stock Lycoming engine and is intended to be used as a 'daily
driver' by Glasair owners who routinely have a need to fly high and
get to their destination very quickly."
"Initial performance numbers are encouraging," Semanskee added,
"with initial cruise speeds of 313 mph (273 kts) at 16500 feet @
75% power." Based upon current in-flight data, Semanskee expects
cruise speeds of 345 mph at 75% power and up to 370 mph for those
who want to run at full power.
At the core of the new III-XP package is a 350 HP Lycoming
TIO540-AE2A engine similar to that used in the Piper "Mirage"
PA46-350P aircraft. However, the installation has been
substantially reconfigured for the Glasair III and encompasses many
performance enhancements including a new induction and exhaust
system; enhanced engine cowling with integrated carbon-fiber
cooling plenum and resized inlet/exit areas for optimum cooling and
performance; new Hartzell propeller and spinner; etc. The end
result of the III-XP installation is exceptional high-altitude
Glasair III performance and excellent fuel economy.
"I had a lot of fun working with Glasair Aviation and SLO Air
Inc., to bring the Glasair III-XP product to the Glasair pilot
community," said Semanskee. "I've always loved my Glasair III and
now with the III-XP twin turbo conversion, my Glasair gets to
altitude more quickly and flies higher with more efficiency. There
just isn't anything else on
the market that provides this kind of performance and
efficiency at such a low cost!"
Upon completion of field testing, the III-XP firewall forward
package will be made available as an option for existing and new
Glasair III owners.
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