Lancair International Inc. is now taking orders for its piston Evolution aircraft, powered by Lycoming’s TEO-540-EXP Integrated Electronic Engine (iE2).
The TEO-540-EXP iE2 is a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 540 cubic inch engine that produces in excess of 350 horsepower, according to Lycoming officials, who note its advanced electronics and sensors make it adaptable to nearly any flying condition. Furthermore, its adaptive control logic and multi-fuel map capability provide “system-ready” capability for a range of fuels, ensuring that owners have a path forward in today’s uncertain environment and protecting their investment, Lycoming officials add.
The iE2 system offers pilots true single lever control of the aircraft propulsion system – both engine and propeller – along with automated preflight checks, decreasing pilot workload and allowing increased focus on flying, noted Michael Kraft, senior vice president and general manager of Lycoming Engines.
“A few years ago Lancair and Lycoming teamed to bring the iE2 to the Evolution platform,” he said. “Simply stated, the engineers nailed it on this effort. You set PLA and go fly a complex aircraft. We are extremely proud to be able to bring this technology to the market.”
Lancair has been flying the iE2 in the Evolution airframe for more than a year, assisting Lycoming in the development process for the new engine. With the engine-to-airframe engineering completed, Lancair customers now have the ability to order a Lycoming iE2-powered Lancair Evolution that can be flying in early 2011.
“Lycoming’s solid fundamental technology base and systematic development approach to the IE2 program is a benchmark in aviation engineering leadership,” says Thomas Bowen, chief operating officer for Lancair International Inc. “The marriage of the TEO-540 and all-carbon pressurized Evolution sets the bar higher than it has ever been for single engine performance.”
Lycoming is in the process of certifying the TEO-540, with approval expected late in the fourth quarter of 2010 or early first quarter 2011.
“The iE2’s modular design forms the basis of a very adaptable aviation grade piston engine control system for both fixed and rotating wing aircraft applications,” Kraft says. “After certification of the baseline model of this engine series, we will continue with the redesign of other Lycoming engines to include the iE2 system, eventually covering the entire product range.”
For more information: Lycoming.com, Lancair.com.
