Mobile, Alabama, 25 February 2015 – Continental Motors Group (CMG), an AVIC International Corporation company, announces that the IO-360-AF (alternative fuel) engine model received type certification from the FAA in January 2015. The 6-cylinder IO360-AF is certified for standard 100LL as well as unleaded 91UL avgas now available in several countries. Flight Design, GmbH is expected to take delivery of the first certified engine in Quarter 2, 2015.
The IO-360-AF is the first in its class to be certified for alternative fuels benefitting certain markets where 100LL avgas is relatively expensive and with the expanding availability of 91UL. Beyond the alternative fuel advantage, the IO-360 series has an excellent reputation for reliability, long life and smooth operation. It is the lightest of all Continental’s six-cylinder aircraft power plants making it a perfect solution for the new Flight Design C4 carbon, 4-seat aircraft. The IO-360-AF engine family offers a maximum power output of 195 horsepower at 2800 RPM, a 2,200 hour Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and is backed by Continental’s industry leading warranty and service support. Flight Design will use the IO-360-AF engine de-rated to 180 horsepower as required for the C4, producing power at a reduced 2550 RPM, resulting in quieter operation.
“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,” stated Rhett Ross, Vice President, AVIC International and Director, Continental Motors Group. “The IO-360-AF is a nice addition to our fuels capabilities and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing technology” continued Ross.
“We are very pleased with the close cooperation we have received from Continental Motors on the C4 project,” said Matthias Betsch, CEO, Flight Design GmbH. The IO-360-AF Type Certification brings us another step closer to realizing our vision for the C4 light-sport aircraft”, continued Betsch.
AVIC International Holding Corporation was set up in 1979, with majority shares owned by Aviation Industries of China (AVIC). Headquartered in Beijing, AVIC International delivered over 147 billion RMB in revenue in 2013. The company has over 70,000 employees across 400 subsidiaries and is located in over 50 countries. AVIC International is a well-diversified company, with holdings in International Civil Aviation, Trade & Logistics, Retail & High-end Consumables, Real Estate and Hotel Management, Electronics Manufacturing, and Natural Resource Development. More information can be found at www.avic-intl.cn.
Continental Motors Group, Ltd. of Hong Kong, China is a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding Corporation of Beijing, China. Its mission is to provide advanced gasoline and Jet-A piston engine products, spare parts, engine and aircraft services, avionics equipment and repairs as well as pilot training for the general aviation marketplace. Continental is an international operation employing approximately 450 team members in Mobile and Baldwin counties, Alabama, USA; 200 team members in St. Egidien, Germany; and 8 team members in Beijing, China. More information can be found at www.continentalmotors.aero.
Flight Design is a 25-year old manufacturer based in Germany. The company remains the worldwide Light-Sport Aircraft market leader thanks to its popular CT series of aircraft. More than 1,800 of these aircraft are flying in 39 countries. One of the first aircraft certified under ASTM International standards in 2005, the CT (“composite technology”) remains the top-selling LSA in America through eight consecutive years. Flight Design sold the first LSA to India and was the first LSA to earn Chinese Type Design Approval. Three times a CT has been flown around the world. In 2011, the Germany company unveiled its C4 four seat aircraft based on the CT technology.
