Diesel/JetA1 Fuelled, 170hp Aircraft Gets FAA Blessing

Tecnam’s P2010 TDI has been awarded a full Type Certificate in some great news for those wanting more general aviation aircraft compatible with diesel and Jet A fuels. The 4-seat, high wing, single engine aircraft combines economical performance, sleek aerodynamics, and modern avionics provide an interesting alternative to traditional competing aircraft. 

The wide, curved fuselage reportedly provides a fine match to the Diesel engine. The 3rd door back seat accessibility, safety, and reliability inherent to the P2010’s design combine with the increased efficiency of Diesel fuel through lower operating costs. The 170 horsepower turbocharged engine is the lowest output option in the lineup, when compared to its 180 hp or 215 hp Avgas brethren. The Diesel, however, boasts outstanding cruise-fuel burn efficiency and performance. The turbodiesel powerplant offers fuel burn that ranges as low as 4.5 gallons per hour at 55% power, to 7 gph at 75% power. Turbocharging provides consistent, altitude-agnostic performance up to 8,000 feet and allows operations up to 18,000 feet, made more enjoyable with Tecnam’s optional oxygen system. The standard fuel tanks grant a range over 1,000 nm and endurance up to 12 hours, all accurately tracked through the thoroughly modern glass panel avionics. 

Tecnam engineers paid considerable attention to offering an aircraft in keeping with the noise, harshness, and vibration levels of the avgas-powered P2010, focusing on maintaining the same comfort levels in the TDI variant. The new combination should prove enticing for private owners and training providers alike, with comfortable, long-legged, efficient performance, a sophisticated autopilot, and spacious interior. While there are more than a few high-wing designs on the market, there are few that integrate what Tecnam calls “unique Italian style”. The TDI engine offers supreme ease of flight, with single-lever control, full FADEC, electric engine monitoring, and redundant safety features. The CD-170 is the newest iteration and highest power design in the stalwart CD-100 series, with more than 7,500 engines delivered and more than 8.5 million flight hours in service. 

Tecnam Managing Director Giovanni Pascale sees the TDI as a strong addition to those wanting long-range fuel security across the states, saying “The FAA certification of the P2010 Tdi marks a significant milestone for the Tecnam US Market, the availability of Jet A1 in every airport makes our four-seater the ideal machine for cross-country mission and efficient flight training.”

FMI: www.tecnam.com