Milestone In Company's Alternative Fuels Program

Teledyne Continental Motors has just told ANN about its first test flight of a certificated aircraft using 94-octane unleaded aviation fuel. The flight, in collaboration with Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, was conducted using a production G36 Bonanza.

"This is an accomplishment that adds to TCM's catalog of aviation firsts, such as the introduction of a horizontally opposed cylinder configuration, fuel injection, turbo charging, and electronic engine controls (FADEC)," said Rhett Ross, president of Teledyne Continental Motors.  "TCM is committed to leading the industry towards a common 100LL alternative fuel that minimizes cost to aircraft owners."

TCM says the flight profile tested all aspects of flight including takeoff, climb, maximum power cruise, low power cruise, descent and landing. The airplane was equipped with data recording devices to provide data for post flight analysis.

"This is another big step in our sustainability initiative at Hawker Beechcraft and something that will delight general aviation pilots," said Ed Petkus, Hawker Beechcraft Vice President, Product Development and Engineering. "This partnership with TCM exemplifies the leadership of our companies and our commitment to supporting the technologies necessary to find an alternative to 100LL. I am confident our customers and the entire aviation industry will benefit from our joint efforts."

TCM began investigating unleaded fuel alternatives to 100LL aviation gas in April 2007. Efforts included participation in the Coordinated Research Council (CRC), analysis of various commercial fuel options and extensive fuel tests on engines in the company's dynamometer test cells.

Prior to conducting its first flight, the company down-selected its flight test fuels, to the unleaded fuel most likely to be submitted for certification and standardization as a piston aviation fuel.

With the first flights complete, TCM will begin the certification process of several engine models to meet the needs for existing and future aircraft. The company is also investigating other future options, including biofuels.

FMI: www.tcmlink.com, www.hawkerbeechcraft.com