Centurion on Schedule – Excellent Flight Performance – Great Demand – 155 HP-Robin on its Way
Lichtenstein, Germany – As previously announced, Centurion has received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of the Centurion 2.0s kerosene piston aircraft engine with 155 HP in the Cessna 172. On May 21, 2010, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued the STC to the German company based in Saxony which has been operating as the subsequent sales company to the insolvent Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH for one year. This means that the Cessna models 172 F to S are now certified. Demo flights with the 155 HP diesel Cessna at clubs and fly-ins have met with a positive response. The initial retrofitted customer aircraft will go to England and Switzerland in June 2010. The certification of the 155 HP versions of the Robin DR400 Ecoflyer and Diamond DA40 TDI has already been set in motion.
The 155 HP power pack Centurion 2.0s is now certified for installation in the Cessna 172. The Cessna 172, also known as “Skyhawk,” is the top-selling light aircraft in general aviation. The worldwide fleet consists of more than 40,000 aircraft. The Cessna 172 F to S series from both American and French production have been certified. The Centurion 2.0s is the more powerful version of the well established Centurion 2.0 with its proven fuel efficiency. With an identical weight, it generates additional 20 HP. The Centurion 2.0s and the Cessna form a harmonious team. “Everyone who was impressed by the flight performance of the Cessna 172 with the Centurion 2.0 will be enthusiastic about the Centurion 2.0s,” says Jasper M. Wolffson, CEO at CENTURION. The aircraft offers impressive flight performance.
With the Cessna 172 S model, it was possible to increase the MTOW limit from 1111 kg to 1157 kg. Cruising flight fuel consumption is 24.2 l/h at a speed of 115 KTAS (at 70% power, 6000 ft). 708 ft/min are a well climb rate performance at sea level as well as a shorter takeoff distance with 493m (50 ft obstacle).The range with the 168.8 liter standard tank is 665 NM. Like all aircraft equipped with the Centurion engine also the Cessna has a fully electronic engine and propeller control system with single-lever control.
The first demo flights of the Centurion-Cessna at clubs and fly-ins have met with a positive response in Germany and Denmark. “Quiet, simple and, above all, very powerful” was the concordant summary of the pilots, who already had the opportunity to fly the Cessna 172. Additional demos during the season are planned in the Czech Republic, France, England and then again in Germany. The first retrofitted customer aircraft will go to the Isle of Wight, England and Switzerland at the beginning of June. Cessna 172 aircraft which have been retrofitted with Centurion engines can also be operated in countries with low avgas availability. In summer, the first Cessnas will be retrofitted with Centurion 2.0s for Ethiopia.
In addition, Centurion has further plans for the Centurion 2.0s. The certification of the 155 HP versions of the Robin DR400 and Diamond DA40 TDI has already been set in motion. In particular, the Robin certification process by Finch Aviation is at an advanced stage and only requires final measurement flights. It will then enter series production as the Robin Ecoflyer DR400 2.0s. The state-of-the-art Centurion 2.0s kerosene engine, in combination with the traditional and proven wooden design of the DR400, results in an aircraft with excellent flight characteristics. Thanks to its cutting-edge propulsion system, the aircraft is fuel-efficient and easy to control. Furthermore, it will be suitable for towing operations once the appropriate certification has been obtained. The scope of the Supplemental Type Certificate includes the Robin DR400 RP, 120D, 140B, 180R and 200R series. The Centurion 2.0s will initially be installed in new aircraft.
