C.E.O. David Czarnecki Profiles the 600 Horsepower Trace Engine

Until recently, general aviation manufacturers had only one option, the turboprop, for powering market aircraft.  Trace Engines LP spent years developing and designing an alternative solution to meet the aviation industries need for a modern, cost effective reciprocating engine. Fully certified and ready for production, the Trace V-8 engine represents an evolution in engine selection.

The turbocharged, liquid-cooled engine improves operational performance by increasing speed, range, and gross weight without increasing operational cost; TRACE Engines estimates that with the combined lower cost to purchase, repair, and overhaul, operators can save 35% to 50%. 

As Czarnecki explains, while a turbine engine displays constant power degradation as altitude increases, the turbocharged TRACE V-8 maintains cruise power all the way up with an estimated 600hp maximum takeoff and 500hp maximum continuous; an equivalent turbo prop engine would need to be rated as much as 1,000 horsepower at sea level to match the TRACE engine’s output at altitude.  The result is an average 27 gallons per hour fuel rate, less than 30% the fuel rate of an equivalent powered turbine engine.

Currently, typical installations can be found in singles with gross weights up to 6,000 lbs and twins up to 12,500 lbs.  The starting price remains at 200,000 for an engine package, with total installation costs varying due to time and labor.  TRACE Engines LP is located in Midland, Texas where its production facilities are able to produce around 100 engines a year for over 40,000 potential aircraft retrofit opportunities.

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