Tecnam introduces diesel P2010

CAPUA, Italy — Tecnam has introduced the P2010 TDI, powered by Continental’s CD-170 engine, which can use either Jet-A or diesel fuel.

With the EASA Type Certificate expected by July 2020, the P2010 TDI has been one of the most secret development programs ever, Tecnam officials said. FAA certification is expected soon after EASA certification.

First deliveries to customers in Africa and Asia are expected to be in September or October of 2020.

The announcement of the “P Twenty-Ten TDI” was live-streamed via Tecnam’s official YouTube channel May 27. Thousands of viewers registered to participate in the worldwide event, according to company officials.

The new high-wing plane burns 5.2 US gallons per hour, has three access doors, plus another door dedicated to the baggage compartment. The cockpit features the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit and GFC 700 autopilot.

The P2010 TDI role is to fill a gap in customer choices, as they can now order the 2010 with three different powerplants, and three different fuel capabilities: Automotive unleaded (approved on 180-hp version), avgas on the most powerful 215-hp variant and, now, Jet-A/diesel, company officials said.

Continental’s CD 170 engine boasts full FADEC and single lever controls, coupled with electronic engine monitoring and redundant safety features, according to Tecnam officials.

The CD-170 is the newest design and also the highest horsepower engine in the CD-100 series family, proven with more than 6,000 engines delivered and more than 7.1 million service flight hours, according to officials with Continental Aerospace Technology.

Tecnam officials predict that flight schools will be the biggest market for the new diesel-powered aircraft, especially in parts of the world where avgas is not available.

“The P2010 remains a modern aircraft for flight schools and private owners,” says Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO. “With the Continental’s Jet-A/diesel engine, the P2010 TDI is simply the ‘ideal aircraft’, combining a modern, sleek, ‘green’ design with consistent, robust power.”

On a historical note, Tecnam’s very first aircraft, the Astore P48, built in 1948, was powered by a Continental engine — the A65. The connection between the two companies, therefore, spans more than 72 years, Tecnam officials noted.