…Turbo, FADEC In The Works

Although it may look like a Lyoming 360-series engine, Superior claims its new engine is much different on the inside, where it counts. Blockus said they re-engineered just about every part of the decades-old design, improved materials throughout and made it breathe, oil and run better. Blockus said they decided to “stick to the basics” in offering only two versions of the engine to start. A full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system is on the drawing board as is a turbocharged version. Now that the engine is certified (production certification is expected by the end of the year), CEO Chuck Denman said the focus shifts to marketing. The press kit suggests an unnamed aircraft manufacturer will soon announce plans to equip its planes with the Vantage. Denman said they will target OEMs and the STC market with installations for Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokees topping their list. The press release says OEMs have driven the Vantage project through their desire for a better engine.