Better Fuel Economy, More Available Fuel, Better For The Environment, Continental Says

Teledyne Continental says it plans to increase its presence in the diesel engine market in the coming years, as technology improves and 100LL fuel becomes more scarce.

Teledyne Continental President Rhett Ross told the Mobile, Alabama Press-Register that "diesel is a commitment for our company." He said that Continental has bought "technology, licenses, and hardware" from a third party source, and plans to announce details of the company's diesel strategy next month.

100LL fuel is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in markets outside the U.S. Ross told the paper that by developing diesel engines that take advantage of a more available fuel could double the company's sales particularly in emerging markets, and give it entree into the UAV market as well. On a conference call earlier this year, Teledyne Technologies Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Mehrabian told investors "I think the opportunity for us is going to be if we can move into the diesel engine market."

Continental FADEC Engine

Centurian Aircraft Engines, formerly Thielert, has been building diesel engines for several years, but has been plagued with financial issues and fraud charges on the part of its original owner. Continental's Ross said he thinks the market is ready for Teledyne to jump in, based on a long history of aircraft engine manufacturing. He also said he hopes for broader acceptance of the company's FADEC system for its avgas engines in the coming decade.

FMI: www.genuinecontinental.aero