TCM already has the firewall side of the equation wrapped up in its PowerLink FADEC system, the companys president, Bryan Lewis, told a group of journalists this week. The Aerosance-developed PowerLink employs pulsed fuel injection and variable timing in lieu of conventional magnetos and pump-driven mechanical fuel injection. It also has an engine control unit capable of storing every engine operating parameter imaginable. But its no secret that PowerLink, which originally flew in 1999, hasnt yet made significant market inroads, with under 150 systems flying. TCM is targeting reasons… Lewis believes lukewarm market acceptance has been due largely to buyers being unfamiliar with FADECs most appealing benefit: the ability to log engine data for improved maintenance and engine longevity. Lewis and Steve Smith, who oversaw development of PowerLink at Aerosance, say a FADEC-controlled engine should be more thermally stable, more economical and more durable than traditional engines over the long haul to TBO. Now they aim to prove it. (And thats one reason journalists were invited in to have a look around.)
The Game Changer — Engine Electronics
Key Takeaways:
- TCM's PowerLink FADEC system, featuring pulsed fuel injection, variable timing, and an engine control unit for data logging, has seen limited market adoption since its 1999 launch.
- The company attributes the lukewarm market acceptance to buyers' unfamiliarity with the FADEC's primary benefit: comprehensive engine data logging for improved maintenance and longevity.
- TCM asserts that PowerLink-controlled engines should be more thermally stable, economical, and durable to TBO compared to traditional engines.
- TCM is now focused on proving these claimed benefits and educating the market to improve the system's acceptance.
See a mistake? Contact us.
