Editor’s Note:
The following story snuck into Saturday’s Sun ‘n Fun coverage unedited and contained some obvious (and kind of funny) errors that betrayed the writer’s fatigue. For instance, while we anxiously await the 2,400 horsepower LSA engine, it was not discussed at Sun’nFun. Corrected version follows.
Lycoming’s entry in the Light Sport Aircraft engine derby will be flight tested by T&T Aviation, of Washington, Pa. in a Falcon LSA that it imports from Corvus Aircraft, of Hungary. Flight tests will begin soon with an eye to limited delivery of the 200-210 pound engines by the end of the year. The engine, which will compete directly with Continental’s LSA-modified 0-200, will put out a maximum of 116 horsepower at 2,800 rpm or 100 horsepower at a more realistic 2,400 rpm. Derated models at 90 and 80 horsepower will also be available and the engine will be able to run on avgas or 91/96 octane unleaded car gas that meets D4814 or EN 228 standards.
The engine is based on the company’s O-235 workhorse but there are enough differences to give it the new designation. The new mill features dual electronic ignition, throttle body fuel injection, high speed induction system and roller tappets, among other changes. It uses 5.25 gph at 75 percent power and TBO is 2,400 hours.
