Oshkosh, WI – July 27, 2009 – Lycoming Engines, a Textron Inc. company, is pursuing engine certification for its IO-390-A3A6 as well as a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to install the engine in three legacy models of the Mooney Airplane Company’s M20 series of aircraft.
The Mooney M20E, M20F and M20J are single-engine aircraft produced by Mooney Airplane Company of Kerrville, Texas, between 1964 and 1998. The original engines in these aircraft were Lycoming IO-360s. This is the second STC Lycoming is pursuing as part of the Lycoming Echelon STC program, which seeks to provide premium powerplant and firewall forward solutions for legacy aircraft.
In June, Lycoming announced certification of the IO-390-A1A6 engine and a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to install it in a Cessna Cardinal C177RG.
“The 390 offers pilots more power in the same footprint as the IO-360,” says Dennis Racine, Lycoming director of marketing and program management. “The benefits of the STC package include additional horsepower, improved performance in climb and cruise speed, and added value to the airframe.”
Lycoming developed and is seeking certification for the IO-390-A3A6 in response to requests from aircraft owners and pilots for a higher horsepower, four-cylinder engine. Today, approximately 175 uncertified versions of the Lycoming 390, the IO-390-X, power existing homebuilt and kit aircraft. Since certifying the IO-390-A1A6 in April, the marketplace has reacted with a significant number of orders.
The certified IO-390 Lycoming engine weighs from 312 to 315 pounds and has a rated 210hp at 2700 rpm. The four-cylinder, fuel-injected IO-390-A3A6 includes a robust rotating system, specifically developed cylinders, tuned induction system, Lycoming's roller tappets, Slick Start ignition, and front facing fuel servo.
The STC will include a new or rebuilt IO-390-A3A6, Slick Start System, and all required hardware and documentation. The STC is approved with either a Hartzell 2-blade or 3-blade propeller.
As a part of its continued commitment to its customers, Lycoming will continue working toward the certification of different versions of the IO-390 to fit additional applications.
A Mooney M20J with an IO-390 installation is on display at Lycoming’s EAA Airventure exhibit, booth 277-282.
About Lycoming
Lycoming Engines specializes in engineering, manufacture, service and support of piston aircraft engines. Headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Lycoming piston engines power more than half of the world's rotary- and fixed-wing general aviation fleet. Lycoming Engines is a division of Avco Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.lycoming.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
