Wed, Jul 28, 2010
SMA Sporting The SR-305e Engine
By Dan Billingsley
Is an alternative engine in your future? SMA, a Subsidiary of
the Safran Group would like to think so as they are showing the
SR-305e here at Oshkosh. Geared for the general aviation market,
this 4 stroke, boxer engine is designed to run on Jet A fuel and
has already proven its dependability with an accumulated 30,000+
hours. They have been put through "real life" operating conditions
throughout the world on 182 Skylanes, TB20s, Maules, and various
other airframes. An STC was secured for the Skylane in 2003 for
EASA and 2006 for FAA.
SMA SR 350 Engine
This is a turbocharged, direct injected, four cylinder engine
that produces 230 hp at 2200 RPM. While burning Jet A, the engine
will allow aircraft to reach 20,000 feet with a rated altitude at
10,000 feet. Climb rate is notably fast in reaching desired
altitudes.
Luc Pelon
"This engine works for the needs of the GA world" says Luc
Pelon, Chairman and CEO for Safran SMA. The primary point here was
to bring to the forefront in everyone's mind that Av Gas and 100LL
will not be around forever. While many are looking for an
alternative fuel to use in the current worldwide fleet of aircraft,
Pelon asks the question; "Why invest in the development of a new
fuel when we already have a proven fuel that works?"
While this is somewhat a valid viewpoint, the question was asked
about the cost of the SR-305e. A dollar amount was never given as
Pelon talked about the long term savings. He indicated that if you
are a pilot that files less than 40 hours per year, this engine
should not be considered. The fuel or the engine is a question to
ponder, however. If a new fuel breakthrough doesn't occur…
what will you do?
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