Citation
(2004), "Retro-fit engine demonstrated", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776cab.018
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Retro-fit engine demonstrated
Retro-fit engine demonstrated
Bournemouth based Meridian Aviation Ltd, UK, Ireland and Spanish distributors of the German Thielert Centurion 1.7 diesel aircraft engine, recently flew the UK's first aircraft, converted to the new engine, to Exeter, Oxford, Stapleford, and Manston airports and then back to Bournemouth. The converted four seat, Cessna 172 has G-ECON as its registration and the air traffic call sign “Diesel One”. Mayors and Chairman of local authorities were presented with a special limited edition photo of the aircraft in flight, entitled New Century New Power, to commemorate the first UK long distance flight by a light aircraft converted to the quieter, emission friendly, fuel efficient Centurion engine.
Malcolm Craft, Engineering Director at Meridian Aviation who made the presentation said that the Centurion powered Cessna 172, took just 5 h to cover the 375 mile route on the day, and used only 90 l of JetA fuel, compared to the original Avgas burning Lycoming Engine that would use 170 l. As JetA fuel is much cheaper, the cost savings for the flight was over £140!