BIG Things Do Come In Small Powerplants!!!

It takes serious talent to produce a dependable powerplant... especially when dealing with tight constraints. And building a solid contender for the front end of many of the latest LSAs is a tough gig... requiring one to not only develop a small and powerful package... but a light one, to boot. Hence, the Lycoming 233.

Lycoming's Michael Kraft said the company's current focus is on the four cylinder engine O-233 LSA mill. And as a matter of fact, several O-233 equipped aircraft were on display at the Lycoming tent at Airventure 2011 -- ready to fly. The O-233 Light Sport Aircraft engine features reduced weight, dual CDI electronic ignition, roller tappets, and a carbureted or injected option as standard features over the certified O-235 Lycoming offering. Originally anticipated as a certified Part 33 engine, Lycoming reallocated assets for ASTM certification due to the latest recession and regulatory concerns with the FAA.

Kraft, the Senior Vice President and General Manager, succeeded Ian Walsh when he was promoted to Chief Innovation Officer at Textron Systems. As Lycoming's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kraft oversees all aspects of the business, reporting to the COO of Textron Systems. Formerly Lycoming's Vice President of Research, Development & Engineering, Kraft led a high-performing team that accelerated product development, while still meeting the company's high engine safety and performance standards. He also led Lycoming's Air Safety Investigation unit. Kraft joined Lycoming in 2007 following engineering and general management positions at Andritz, GE Power Systems and GE Aircraft Engines. He holds bachelor and master degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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