Establishes Service Center For New SMA Compression-Ignition 230 HP Aero-Engines

French engine manufacturer SMA has appointed Montreal-based Nu-Tech Associates Canadian distributor and authorized service center for the newly-certificated SMA SR 305-230 aero engine.

The engine is a four-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection configuration powered by Jet A Grade fuel. The engine develops 230 HP. continuous, thereby making it an attractive, performance-enhancing replacement for a wide variety of existing Avgas-fueled aircraft. The engine has been retrofitted in a Cessna 182, which Nu-Tech has purchased to serve the dual purposes of flight demonstrator and a working platform for the design and integration for future conversions under Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs).

The engine and propeller controls are single-lever and FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), simplifying pilot workload.

The propeller is manufactured by MT Propeller of Germany, and is a 78-inch diameter, 3-bladed composite-construction unit.

The STC kit, prior to realizing the residual value of the existing engine, propeller, accessories and cowlings, is value-competitive with that of a factory remanufactured engine. The SMA powerplant includes everything firewall-forward: engine, hoses, turbocharger, intercoolers, engine mount, propeller, spinner, cockpit controls and cowlings. Currently delivering a 2,000 hour time between overhaul (TBO), and an anticipated extension to 3,000 hours, the conversion to the SMA will result in a reduction in direct operating costs of 50 per cent per flight hour, according to SMA and Nu-Tech.

Nu-Tech's projections of retrofit installations are two per month initially, expanding as demand increases. Conversion downtime is between three and four weeks, including optional cabin and paint refurbishment.

Denis Major, Nu-Tech president said, "The market for economy and value has never been stronger, and with Avgas becoming more expensive and harder to find, the Jet A alternative is ideal.

"The SMA engine has fewer parts, no plugs or magnetos, has a more efficient fuel burn, costs less to maintain and overhaul, and is certified to deliver its full 230 horsepower continuously," Major added. "We anticipate very strong market interest from a wide number of aircraft owners, private and commercial alike."
                 
Several STC and OEM programs are in progress for the 230-HP engine. STC certification is ongoing for the C-182, Socata TB20, and Piper Seneca twin and PA-28 Dakota single. OEM programs include Cirrus SR21, Maule M-9, and Partenavia P68 light twin.

A six-cylinder, 300-HP variant is anticipated.

FMI: www.nutechassociates.com