Continental Motors Group has received FAA type certification for its IO-360-AF engine and will deliver the first of the alternative-fuel powerplants to Flight Design in Germany. The maker of the CT light-sport models chose the Continental engine for its C4 certified airplane project in 2011. Continental’s approval “brings us another step closer to realizing our vision for the C4,” said Matthias Betsch, CEO of Flight Design. The engine delivery will take place in the second quarter of this year.
Continental said the IO-360-AF is the lightest of its six-cylinder engines and the first in its class to be certified for 100LL avgas as well as 91UL, which is available in Europe. The engine has a maximum power output of 195 horsepower at 2800 RPM and a 2,200-hour TBO. Flight Design will de-tune the engine to 180 horsepower and 2550 RPM for the C4. “Our engineering team has worked diligently to move the IO-360-AF from opportunity to reality; and we are very excited to have it certified, meeting the needs of our customers,” said Rhett Ross, director of Continental Motors Group. “The IO-360-AF is a nice addition to our fuels capabilities and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing technology.”
