Wichita-based Cessna Aircraft on Wednesday announced an agreement to collaborate with Germany’s Thielert Aircraft Engines on future programs “centered on the Thielert diesel engine.” Cessna said details will be announced later this year — possibly as early as next month at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. “We think the Thielert engine may provide a very worthwhile power option for many of our customers since it runs on jet fuel and diesel,” said Cessna Vice President of Worldwide Propeller Aircraft Sales John Doman. “We have had discussions with Frank Thielert and his group for some time, and we think the time is right to move forward.” Thielert has obtained several European certifications for retrofitting diesel engines into Cessna aircraft, and in March it received an STC from the F AA to re-engine the Cessna 172 with the Thielert Centurion 1.7/2.0.
