Germany's Thielert Aircraft Engines (TAE) has received US Federal Aviation Administration approval for its 135hp (100kW) Centurion 1.7 diesel engine.
The full-authority digital engine control-equipped Centurion 1.7 is priced at $19,900, and distribution will be controlled by Coppell, Texas-based Superior Air Parts, TAE says.
US validation comes around 18 months after the Chemnitz-based manufacturer clinched European approval for the powerplant, which can be fuelled by diesel and Jet A, and will enable TAE to widen its retrofit and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) markets.
As acceptance of diesel engines gathers pace in North America, TAE says the USA will overtake Europe as its largest market. The company aims to increase its share of the 120-180hp piston engine market over two years from 4.25% this year to 14.5% in 2005. The figures, it says, are based on potential piston engine production in 2003 and 2005 for retrofit, OEM and kitplane markets of 9,400 and 10,350 units respectively. "We plan to build 400 units in 2004, 1,170 next year and 1,500 in 2005," TAE says.
Supplemental type certification (STC) has so far been received for the Cessna 172, and TAE is now pursuing validation of the Piper PA-28. OEM contracts include the Diamond DA-40TDI light single-engined aircraft, which received European approval in June, its twin-engined stablemate the DA-42 Twin Star, scheduled for certification by the end of the year, and the Apex Aviation Robin DR400.
TAE's 310hp Centurion 4.0 is scheduled for first flight by early next year with certification in the second quarter of 2004. It has been selected by Germany's High Performance Aircraft to power a five-seat, twin-pusher design, under development. TAE is speaking to other manufacturers including Australia's Gippsland Aeronautics, which may build a diesel version of its eight-seat GA-8 Airvan utility aircraft.
Source: Flight International
