Diesel Engine Manufacture Updates The SR305 Engine

By Chris Batcheller

SMA’s Luc Pelon exclaimed “We’re Alive” at the start of their press conference Monday.  SMA has been improving their sole product, the 230 HP SMA SR305 Diesel Engine. Luc Pelon stressed that the company would like to find someone to design an airplane around the engine, as that would make the best combination of airframe and powerplant. Luc also noted that the company would like additional investors. 

Brent Maule of Maule Aircraft spoke about his experience with the Maule M9 and the SMA SR305. Brent said that the Maule Factory flies at 137 MPH TAS on 9-9.5 gph. Certification on the M9 is pending. Maule and SMA expect the airplane to be certified soon. 

Jim Render spoke of his experience with the engine in a Cessna 182. Jim is part of the missionary group Fly 4 Life. They’ve operated the airplane in Africa for the past two years.  On one mission Jim said his pilot flew 540 miles into the desert and back, and landed with 2 hours of fuel reserve.  He also noted that Avgas is $18 per gallon in Africa while jet fuel can be purchased at $5 per gallon, allowing them huge operating savings.

The development team has been working on upgrading the engine, making several improvements. First is a new exhaust system design that relocates the turbocharger closer to the engine. This will help the engine fit into tighter cowls such as a light twin. SMA has also custom designed a new turbocharger for maximum performance. Other changes included improvements to the oil pump and injection pump. They have also improved the restart capability. “Safety is the 1st thing to think about” Luc Pelon said.

Luc Pelon noted that SMA is also dedicated to customer service and support. Thierry St. Loup is their Customer Support Manager, and he has been working hard to make sure that existing customers can get parts and service. “We are looking for qualified maintenance organizations, including Part 145 repair stations and well established  maintenance shops” Thierry St. Loup said, noting that SMA is looking to expand their maintenance support network. He went on to note “We have to insure that our customers will receive quality work”. Thierry also noted that SMA keeps a large selection of spare parts on hand, further enhancing their service abilities.

SMA hinted that a customer is planning a ‘round the world flight with the SMA SR305 engine. Be sure to stay tuned to Aero News for details.

FMI: http://www.smaengines.com, http://www.jimrendelart.com