Vickers Aircraft Company selects Continental Motors Titan IO-340CC for the Wave™ Amphibian
Mobile, September 29, 2015—Continental Motors Group Ltd, an AVIC International Holding Corporation company, announced today that Vickers Aircraft has selected the Titan IO-340CC to power its Wave™ Amphibian.
“We are extremely proud to have been selected as the engine provider for the Vickers Wave™. This innovative new amphibian two seat ASTM LSA needed a real aviation engine that offered more than the traditional 4 cylinder motors available on the market. The Titan engine offers a unique combination of power, low weight and modern technology accessories (Fuel injection, ignition system, light weight starter and powerful alternator). It is easily integrated with the latest avionics available to the LSA market. (The Dynon Skyview 10’ configuration is the standard glass cockpit will display all engine parameters and allow pilots to manage their engine easily). The combination of these specifications, added to the power developed by the engine and Continental Motor’s reputation for reliability and manufacturing excellence helped to make the Titan IO-340CC the logical choice for Vickers Aircraft. Our respective engineering teams have, and will continue to work together to tailor the engine for this airframe”, said Johnny Doo, Executive Vice-President Marketing and Sales, Continental Motors.
“The Titan is a very modern engine when compared to the competing 4 cylinder products in that power range and has a stellar track record regarding reliability. Now that its backed by Continental Motors, we benefit from the financial stability of the leader of the aviation engine manufacturers and, simultaneously, from the expertise of a team that has developed, over the years, lighter, more powerful and reliable engines while integrating the latest technology. We looked at all the solutions available, evaluated engine manufacturers and discussed in depth with them. Many US and European-based vendors were trying to convince us that their “off the shelf” product was suitable for the Wave™. But we wanted a modern engine for our modern aircraft, not an engine that has gone unchanged since 1960. We quickly found out that Titan, under their new ownership by Continental Motors, were able to deliver on all the subjects that really matter to us. The Engineering team listened to our needs and came back with answers that exceeded our expectations. Therefore, the choice was an easy one!” said Paul Vickers, CEO, Vickers Aircraft.
“The weight characteristics of the Titan IO-340CC were another factor that drove our decision. The weight savings on this engine are enough to allow us to comply with the LSA ASTM standards without compromising reliability or safety. The use of magnesium alloys in certain parts makes the weight savings even more dramatic (20% weight reduction compared to the original configuration). The engine, while being lighter, has not lost its durability or reliability as others have by going beyond what is practical. It has the perfect balance. Finally, the whole Continental Motors team sees the potential and shares the vision for our aircraft and is backing us 100%, and for this I am very appreciative”, he added.
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 diesel (jet fuel) 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.
Vickers Aircraft Company was founded by Paul Vickers, its CEO. The company designs and builds the Wave™, a dual seat next generation ASTM S-LSA amphibious aircraft. The Wave™ offers versatility for owners that want to fly from water or land, without compromising performance or safety. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2016. The company is established in New Zealand.
