Re: [..."Bottom line is that there is really no significant cost advantage [for the SMA aerodiesel engine] for anything much less than a 3000-hr period, your total outlay will be quite a bit more with the SMA engine [vs. an IO-550]."  Jim Cameron]

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Jim,

 

Check out the new Theilert Centurion 4.0 (310 HP) aerodiesel engine.  I think the cost and performance numbers for it make it a much more attractive candidate engine in the U. S. market than the SMA engine (though I'm no engine expert).  I'm hoping we can get enough Legacy builders interested to get the factory to develop an option for it (engine mount, cowling, etc.).

 

Their Centurion 1.7 (135 HP) engine is now in production and came in at or near the performance and price they'd been advertising -  helping establish their credibility on this.

 

Theilert is saying their Centurion 4.0 engine will cost about $50K and it includes turbochargers and FADEC.  We can get a TCM IO-550N at Lancair for about $35K, add $18K for Rick's supercharger, and $6K for FADEC for a total of about $59K.  The Centurion is a lot more efficient and uses cheaper Jet A (I think SFC comparison is around 0.45 for the IO-550 vs 0.34 for the Centurion).

 

I'm biased - but I think you made a wise choice with the Legacy...

 

Valin Thorn

Legacy 173

 

Excerpt from their website...    http://www.centurion-engines.com/c40/c40_start.htm

 

 

Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH has already achieved certification for the Centurion 1.7 and is now developing a larger Centurion engine in the 228 kW (310hp) range. The first engines of this type are running on our dynamometers for basic application development such on the turbo charger, electronic engine management, fuel system and on vibration reduction.

We aim to have a Centurion 4.0 prototype flying in early in 2003.

What will be the weight and the price for a Centurion 4.0?

We are currently targeting a price of approx. 48,000 EUR excl. VAT and the weight will be equivalent to the weight of a Teledyne Continental TSIOL 550-C (liquid cooled, turbocharged, intercooled, 350 hp at 2.600 rpm, TBO 2000 hrs).

 

  

 

The CENTURION 4.0 is a four valve, eight cylinder jet fuel engine in V configuration with common-rail direct injection. The engine is bi-turbocharged, liquid cooled and uses a wet oil sump as well as an integrated gearbox and propeller governor. Single lever control is achieved through use of a digital engine management system (FADEC). Gear ratio is 1,69:1.

TECHNICAL DATA

- Take off power (at 2300 rpm): 228 kW (310 hp) - Torque: 946 Nm - Constant power: available max. power at respective altitude   - Engine swept volume: 3,996 cm³ (103.07 cu.in) - Bore: 86 mm (3.39 in) - Stroke: 86 mm (3.39 in) - Compression ratio: 18,5:1  - Fuel: Jet A1 and Diesel in any mixture ratio - Prop: Muehlbauer 3-blade prop - Voltage: 28 V

 

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

- Engine (incl. all accessories for operation) - 283,5 kg (625 lbs) - Installation dimension   width depth height mm 693 1037 667 in 27,3 40,8 26,3