Last October, Trace Engines L.P. received its FAA Production Certificate for its 600-horsepower, liquid-cooled, turbocharged V8 engine for the general aviation market.
This month, Trace achieved a new power milestone by successfully testing a production engine, with an experimental camshaft, to over 750 horsepower, according to officials with the Midland, Texas-based company. The additional 150 horsepower on the certified OE600 (600hp) Trace platform enables an extra safety margin for short field takeoff applications, officials note, adding it also enables even faster climb rates to cruise altitude with similar fuel consumption. Trace Engines has begun critical testing in preparation for type approval of the new engine, which will be designated the TE750.
“The increased horsepower on our new engine will open doors to general aviation applications that are currently powered by 750-hp turbines,” said David Czarnecki, CEO, who added that many aircraft companies should benefit from the Trace piston engine power, increased speed and performance at altitude, lower overhaul costs as well as fuel consumption savings. “We are also excited to be able to offer our additional high performance at the exceptional value of piston pricing.”
Trace Engines also will offer its TE750 with enhancements, including electronic fuel injection and ignition. “Our plan is to optimize the performance of our Trace Engine for all operating points, which electronic engine management will allow us to do. With this optimization, we can offer gains in fuel efficiency and adjustability per airframe.” The electronic engine management will also be applied to the OE600 engine as a performance enhancement kit for engines in service and will ultimately become stock on all engines from the factory once FAA certification is complete, he added.
Development and validation testing should be completed in 2010, with full certification expected early next year. Given the limited modifications to the company’s Type Design Data, the testing will mostly involve approval of the electronic engine management system, Czarnecki said. “Trace Engines will be pushing to bring our new 750-horsepower model to market as soon as possible and are currently seeking STC partners for select airframe applications.”
For more information: TraceEngines.com
