Airplane Will Feature Counter-Rotating Engines, FADEC Control

Piper has selected the Continental Motors Group new CD-170 compression ignition engine fueled with Jet-A to power the Piper PA-44 Seminole. The world's leading multi-engine training aircraft will also feature counter rotating engines, giving flight schools and training organizations a single lever, FADEC training system with a history of innovation, simplicity and economy.  
 

After selecting the CD-155 Jet-A engine to power the Archer DX, Piper Aircraft extends its Jet-A powered range of trainer aircraft with the PA-44. The Piper Seminole is an advanced twin-engine trainer that has enabled thousands of pilots to earn their multi-engine rating. It is used by flight schools across all continents and is known for its reliability, all metal construction, stable flight characteristics, counter rotating engines, and its modern avionics suite.   
 
"Our experience with the Archer DX convinced us and our customers that we could deliver the best twin-engine training platform using the Continental Jet-A engine. We are extremely happy with the collaboration with Continental Motors. As the undisputed leader of Jet-A engines in general aviation they understand perfectly the pilot training market and our own needs." said Simon Caldecott, CEO of Piper Aircraft.   
 
Equipped with counter rotating engines and the latest versions of the universally acclaimed G1000 NXI by Garmin, the Seminole is the ideal choice for training organizations. By transitioning to Jet-A burning engines, the Seminole DX addresses the requirements expressed by many customers across the world, especially in the many regions where Avgas availability and cost is a concern. The CD-100 series engine family expanded to 170 horsepower and a counter-rotating option offers a unique combination of simplicity, economy, and performance. Further, the experience accumulated with the Archer DX shows that dispatch rates increase on the versions powered by compression ignition engines. The combination of advanced technology, single lever -FADEC control, maintenance related downtime, and maintenance diagnostic systems helps operators increase billed flight hours and decrease the amount of time spent in un-scheduled maintenance.  
 
"Our relationship with Piper on the Archer DX has allowed Continental Motors to expand its products to provide solutions required by pilot training organizations across the world," said Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors Group.   
 
The CD-100 family of compression ignition engines are extensively used in flight schools around the world with retrofit kits for many popular airframes are also available and certified in over 72 countries.

(Image provided with Piper news release)

FMI: www.piper.com, www.continentalmotors.aero