When will a diesel be available for my aircraft?
See how many times we've been asked (organized by Aircraft Model).

News, facts, and comments on the coming revolution for piston-engine aircraft.

News of April 20, 2003

First flight test published in Europe for Cessna 172N retrofitted with Thielert/Centurion 135HP engine.

Aviation & Pilote, French magazine, published in its April '03 issue the first complete flight test. The 172N used is retrofitted with the 1.7 liter Thielert/Centurion geared down for propeller rpm of 2,300 at cruising speed. Propeller is 3-blade, variable pitch automatically controlled by the FADEC monitor: The pilot operates power with throttle only. Key conclusions: take-off roll, initial climb, cruise speed are all substantially comparable to the 172N previously equipped with Lycoming O-320 of 160 HP. Above 6,000 ft climb rate is significantly better, with a ceiling of 17,500 ft (+3,000 ft). Cruise speed around 5 knots better around 10,000 ft. Silence is significantly improved. Fuel consumption is 4.6 gallons/hour at 75% power cruise. Payload is unchanged.The engine runs indifferently on jetfuel or motor diesel fuel. Water-cooled engine allows fan-blown cabin heating. Engine temperature remains remarkably constant under severe power and speed changes. Retrofit cost labor included is marketed at Euros 40,000 ($ 44,000).

posted at 4:26 AM

Previous Posts

Thank You

Teledyne Continental and Honda Motors

Thielert/Century

Aviation Consumer's special report on aerodiesels:...

Powered by Blogger


Mission Statement

Every month: news, facts, and comments on the coming revolution for piston-engines aircrafts between 130 and 400 HP: Retrofitting a diesel engine to run on Jetfuel or Kerosene, reduce Gallons/Hour by some 30%, eliminate ignition systems (magnetos, spark plugs) and their problems, eliminate mixture control, increase TBO to 2,400-3,000 hours, increase performance between 6,000 and 12,500 ft., and drastically reduce Operating Costs.

The letter is intended for piston engines aircraft owners, manufacturers, fleet operators and FBOs, re-manufacturers of engines for these aircrafts, manufacturers of engine components and ancillaries, and all professionals acting in decisions of engine exchange or refitting at TBO, in North and South America, Pacific Rim, African continent, and all parts of the world were Avgas, Mogas, Kerosene and Jetfuel are available.

Read More


The DieselAir Newsletter is a confidential publication available only as printed material sent by mail (airmail for overseas), to fully identified individuals or businesses involved in General Aviation. Forums and online content may be printed at discretion of the publisher.