New GA Diesel On The Way, For More Aircraft

German aircraft engine manufacturer Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH, subsidiary of Thielert AG, announced Tuesday the launch of a major product offensive at the Berlin Air Show. In addition to the integration of the company's Centurion 4.0 350 bhp jet fuel piston engine into more aircraft, the product range is to be rounded off with a new engine.

Representatives with Thielert tell ANN the new Centurion 3.2 will generate 230 bhp, and closes the gap in the output class between the successful Centurion 1.7 (150 hp category) and the Centurion 4.0 (350 hp).

"The Centurion 3.2 will also be turbocharged and liquid cooled. In addition to the transfer box, the well-known fully electronic engine control system (FADEC) is to be used again, which permits user-friendly flying by means of single-lever controls," said Frank Thielert, CEO and founder of Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH.

"The development and certification of the Centurion 3.2 will ensue over the next 36 months," added Thielert. "The maiden flight is expected to take place in late-2007, with series production expected to start in 2009. The engine will be suitable for aircraft such as the highly popular Cessna 182."

In addition to introducing a new engine, Thielert reports its global customer service network for these diesel engines will also be continuously enhanced. There are currently 111 service centers for Thielert engines in 97 countries, and the service center network is constantly being expanded.

"We are pursuing our growth strategy by consistently expanding our product range. The acquisition of Superior Air Parts, Inc. in March already saw us win new customers in General Aviation. New engines and engine integrations will enable us in future to cover the entire spectrum of piston aircraft engine technology," said Thielert.

Thielert also announced it plans to seek new supplemental type certifications for the integration of its 350-horsepower Centurion 4.0 (above) into several Cessna models. The conversion to the fuel-efficient diesel engine is being offered on the single-engine Cessna 206, and the twin-engine Cessna 340, 414 and 421.

"The Cessna 206 and 414 are, as are the 340 and 421, widely used workhorses in general aviation. We are catering to the request of numerous aviation companies of finally being able to refuel with standard aviation jet fuel/ kerosene," said Thielert. "In conjunction with the low consumption, the direct running costs are also reduced by around 60 percent."

As with the Centurion 1.7 for the Cessna 172, Thielert will also be offering a pre-assembled Firewall-Forward-Kit, in which the engine is already integrated into the frame and connected to the peripherals.

The Thielert engine offers enhanced safety thanks to shorter take-off runs. The low consumption -- on average, around 12 gph, per engine -- permits longer range and higher payloads, all at a higher cruising speed.

Thielert says its design of the engine pods for the twin-engine models also results in improved aerodynamic efficiency -- and frankly, more attractive styling. (It is not necessary to modify the cowling of the Cessna 206.)

Thanks to the lighter-weight propellers, Thielert added, converting the Cessna 414 to the jet fuel engine has virtually no impact on the aircraft's empty weight.

FMI: www.thielert.com