Continental Motors Group has raised the time between replacement (TBR) of its diesel CD-100 series engines to 2,100 hours. This lifetime increase affects all CD-135 and CD-155 engines manufactured since Dec. 1, 2015, incorporating revision status 2 design changes.
The lifetime extension was possible due to several design improvements engineered in the last two years, according to company officials.
Through key improvements, continuous testing and field experience, both the CD-135 and CD-155 are now rated to a TBR of 2,100 hours. The TBR of the CD-155 increases from 1,200 hours to 2,100 hours, the CD-135 from 1,500 to 2,100 hours. In addition, the gearbox and timing chain will be rated for 1,200 hours once EASA issues the final paperwork for these components.
The CD-100 family of compression ignition engines are used in flight schools around the world and have been chosen by OEMs such as Cessna Aircraft (Cessna 172 JTA Skyhawk), Diamond Aircraft (DA 40 and DA42), Glasair (Sportsman), Mooney Aircraft (M10), Piper Aircraft (Archer DX) and Robin New Aircraft. Retrofit kits for many airframes are also available.
If you look into it since these engines are made using a Mercedes diesel engine it is cheaper for Continental to buy one of the several million engines that Mercedes had made and put the aircraft accessory’s on to it than it is to pay some one to do the inspections and repairs on the engine like a regular overhaul.
Nice to know we’re only “renting” these engines. When TBR comes up, well, son, y’all need a new one! Gonna cost ya one meeeelion dollahs. I sure hope there is a whopping core value (uh huh) for the old one, and eventually, other sources for rebuilt engines. I have a real problem with the use it once throw it away mentality on expensive items like airplane engines.
Any time there is a “sole source” supplier for anything, they have you securely by the short and curlies, forever. You get to pay THEIR price, like it or not, take it or leave it, or now you only have an airplane shaped flower planter for your front yard.
Time between replacement sounds like a way for the company to ensure profit in the future, just like the only places that can repack a Cirrus parachute are Cirrus service centers.