Lycoming aircraft engines are going electronic. Lycoming Engines announced the launch of its fully electronic iE 2 engine series, with an advanced electronic engine control system designed to optimize safety, simplicity, and economy.
“It’s going to set the new standard for piston aviation,” said Ian Walsh, senior vice president and general manager of the Textron subsidiary.
Features include integrated engine electrical power generation, electronic knock detection, and advanced sensor technology. A single-lever engine control and other improvements will result in engine starting similar to that of your automobile. The first iE 2 will be the high-performance TEO-540-A1A.
“We started with one of our most complex engines,” Walsh said.
The engine will be capable of using a variety of fuels, including automotive gasoline and future avgas formulations, none of which are commercially available.
“We want to lead the industry in establishing a fuel parameter,” he said.
Lycoming also announced the IO-233-LSA at Oshkosh. “It’s basically an O-235 that we put on weight reduction,” Walsh explained. The engine has been optimized for use on light sport aircraft and offers a 2,400-hour time between overhauls.
Mike Collins
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