Flight Took Place At German Development Center Earlier This Month

Continental Motors of Hong Kong, China announced today that it has achieved first flight of its 300 horsepower Jet A fueled aircraft piston engine. Designed for single and twin-engine aircraft, the CD-300 is a 300 horsepower class engine that adds to the already successful 100 and 200 series engines in the Continental Diesel lineup.

The CD-300 achieved its maiden flight in July at Continental’s German development center in Altenburg.  The company’s flying test-bed exhibited rates of climb and cruise performance that exceeded engineer’s expectations.

"For us, the maiden flight of the CD-300 signifies a further milestone in the development of our Continental Diesel aircraft engine program. In conjunction with the CD-100 and CD-200 series engines, we now cater fully to all performance categories," explained Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors, US. “Just like most Continental Diesels, the CD-300 is designed on the basis of tried-and-trusted technology. Owners and airframe manufacturers call for modern high performance engines, while allowing for significant reduction in total ownership costs. Our goal is to listen and provide the technical solutions that answer their needs” continued Ross.

The CD-300 series engine has three-liter displacement and generates up to 310 HP (228 kW) at 2,300 rpm for low operating noise. Continental equips all of its CD engines with true single level control and an electronic engine management system.

Common rail technology, direct injection, turbo charging, liquid cooling and an advanced reduction gear system complete the state-of-the-art design features of the new engine.   Continental has started the type certification process for its 300 Series Diesel aircraft engine. This will be the sixth innovative jet fuel aircraft engine to be certified by Continental Motors for General Aviation aircraft. The type certification will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) followed by FAA and CAAC validation. The engine is expected to be certified in 2016.

FMI: http://www.continentalmotors.aero