Sump and Intake Reduce Weight, Promise Reliability

Superior has just completed months of testing on its new composite sump/induction system made from a space-age material, trade-name Ryton, which will be available in its XP-360 Engine series. Keith Blockus, Superior's Senior Director of Engineering told us, "The new Ryton sump will reduce the weight of the XP-360 Engine by eight pounds (it's half the weight of the old style aluminum sump),  has excellent mechanical properties, and resists extreme temperatures."

 Ryton is a Polyphenylene Sulfide Resin (PPS) product from Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP. This material, Superior says, "...is an ideal choice for aircraft piston air-cooled engines exposed to high temperatures, fluids or mechanical stress."

From cars to buses -- Airbuses

Ryton PPS is a lighter-weight alternative to metals that are resistant to corrosion and all fluids associated with piston engines. The ability to mold complex parts to tight tolerances and insert molding capability accommodates multiple component integration. Typical applications in the automotive industry include underhood components, fuel systems, transmission components, brake systems and electrical devices requiring high heat resistance, high dimensional stability and corrosion resistance. "This new composite material," Blockus stated, "is used to replace large parts of the inboard leading edge nose on the wings of the new Airbus A340-500 and -600 series."

More-controlled airflow, cooler air:

Blockus continued, "Distribution of the air to each cylinder on the XP-360 Engine is through the tuned center zone, or plenum, of the induction system. The intake pipes are also tuned for maximum performance. The induction system is still integral with the oil sump, like all standard induction systems, however it is not submerged in oil or surrounded by heat conducting metal. This allows for the coldest air possible to be provided to the engine. Carbureted models, while still requiring carb heat, are at no greater risk of carb ice than conventional induction systems. Front or rear-mount, carbureted or fuel injected induction systems are available. The sump is aerobatic-ready, and includes anti-slosh oil baffling, a fuel drain valve, and a quick-drain oil plug."

Tim Archer, Superior's Senior VP, told us, "Each new stage of industry leverages new engineering and technology, and it's amazing when the results cross-permeate from one industry to another. Superior has initiated new designs, materials and performance in the development and FAA approval of all its products over the last six years on its XP-360 Series Engines, and the new Ryton sump is another example of our commitment to bring the latest technology to the General and Sport Aviation market."

FMI: www.xp-360.com