Olympia, WA – July 21, 2017 Soloy Aviation Solutions along with its engine manufacturing partner SMA will debut a Cessna 182 featuring the new and more powerful SMA SR305-230E compression ignition (CI) engine burning Jet-A fuel. The new Soloy installation configuration and aerodynamics package marks significant improvements to the previous installation designed years ago.
Soloy Aviation, a world leader in the engineering and manufacturing of turbine and piston engine STC re-powering programs for a wide range of fixed wing and rotorcraft, has completed the engineering and manufacturing elements of the program and has aggressively moved into the flight testing and certification phase. Flight testing is proving the aircraft’s performance is on track to meet the program’s projected goals of higher, farther, faster performance and significantly improved fuel economy and engine reliability burning Jet-A over 100LL Avgas.
Soloy has re-developed the Cessna 182 CI conversion program along with French based SMA, a Safran subsidiary. The engineering and testing program is being completed and validated at Soloy Aviation Solutions’ US based facility in Olympia, Washington (KOLM) under EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) regulations.
Under the agreement at the program’s completion, Soloy Aviation will become the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) holder of the engine conversion program and intends to market the conversion STC globally.
Taking the cover off at AirVenture 2017, along with offering special conversion kit pricing!
Soloy will debut the new configuration of the Jet-A burning Cessna 182 at this year’s EAA AirVenture main aircraft display area, booth number 16. Market anticipation has been high since announcing the program’s start a year ago.
Additionally, Soloy is offering limited ‘special pricing’ on the program’s first 15 positions. Deposits can be made at AirVenture. Soloy representatives will be available to provide program details.
Soloy and SMA expect EASA STC approval during the fourth quarter of 2017 with FAA approval following early 2018. Kit deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2018.
Following AirVenture and on its return flight home to Washington State, Soloy will make several stops at key airport locations to provide demonstrations and promote the aircraft.
James Cowan, Soloy’s CEO, is proud of his engineering and manufacturing teams’ progress that they’ve accomplished in the C182 Compression Ignition engine conversion program. “We’re almost there; certification is close. The future of current 100LL aviation fuel around the world is in question. We view the opportunity to use and improve upon SMA’s Cessna 182 engine installation STC as a valid solution to the thousands of operators of Cessna 182 aircraft around the world. At the program’s completion, we will offer a wide variety of Cessna 182 owners the chance to convert their current avgas engines to this efficient and powerful engine platform either at overhaul or anytime during TBO under the revised Soloy STC. Our special initial pricing option should encourage sales activity on our first 15 kits as our pricing will be very advantageous.”
Dave Stauffer, Soloy’s Chief Operating Officer and a 39-year employee, has been through many Soloy STC programs and views the SR305-230E project as having great potential. “Our initial focus from a mechanical and engineering standpoint has been to take advantage of the engine’s power and reliability. We have found performance improvements through redesign of the current engine installation and aircraft nacelle and cowling configuration. There are many 182s out there and we believe we have a great option for them long term.”
About Soloy Aviation Solutions Founded in 1969, Soloy Aviation Solutions is a Washington state based company specializing in fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft power and performance improvements, including turbine engine conversion/upgrade programs for the Beechcraft A36 & A36TC Bonanza, Cessna 100/200 series aircraft and the Airbus (Eurocopter) AS350 helicopter. In addition, the company currently has over 60 STCs and has converted 750 aircraft operating in 35 countries around the world. Soloy also provides contract engineering and aviation parts manufacturing services. For more information, visit: www.soloy.com
