Planenews Aviation News Portal - New Lycoming For Experimentals.

Lycoming, the world''s largest manufacturer of piston aircraft engines, has developed its most powerful normally-aspirated, four-cylinder model, a fuel-injected, 390 cubic-inch displacement powerplant developing an output of 210 horsepower. Dubbed the IO-390-X, the newest Lycoming will be offered initially to kitbuilders and owners/builders of experimental aircraft. Full Story.

This segment of the marketplace is not required to install certificated engines. All parts and components that comprise the IO-390-X are factory-new. After completion of market assessment. the company anticipates certificating the model by 2004, for use in production aircraft. The engine has a manufacturer''s recommended time between overhauls (T80) of 2000 hours.

Paul LeFevre, Lycoming''s director of sales and marketing, said the new Experimental 390 fits the growing demand for kit aircraft in the US and around the world. "We asked the builders what they wanted and they rated fuel-injection and 200-hp plus as their top priorities, without having to move to a six-cylinder engine," he said. "A typical four-place kit aircraft is not the ideal platform for our larger 260 hp six-cylinder engines; our new 390 is perfect for speed, payload and low fuel consumption.

"They also wanted a pure Lycoming engine," LeFevre added, "with all-new, all-Lycoming factory parts. They wanted one with a world-wide support network."

The IO-390-X is based on the 200 hp 10-360, one of Lycoming''s most popular engines. Re-bored to displace 390 cubic inches, and maintaining the same stroke and compression ratio as the IO-360, the newest model produces 210 horsepower at 2700 RPM, and consumes 11.1 gallons per hour at 65 percent power. Dry weight is 308 Ib. The IO-390-X, available from select facilities, will be delivered fully assembled and will include a one year warranty for parts, regardless of the number of hours flown. The engines will be built to order, and deliverable within six weeks. "Our market research tells us we have a winner," LeFevre added.

An aerobatic version, the AEIO-390-X, will also be offered, and will have the capability of continuous operation at 2700 RPM.

The IO-390-X was officially unveiled at AirVenture 2002, site of the world''s largest annual aviation event, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The company is taking orders for the new Series immediately.

Lycoming supplies certificated engines to airframe manufacturers and kitbuilders worldwide, and has a support network spanning the globe. In addition to new engines, the company rebuilds and overhauls engines which have been in prior service. Lycoming engines power more than 50 percent of all general aviation piston powered aircraft; three-quarters of all homebuilt aircraft; and fully 80 per cent of all new aircraft in the power range the company offers.

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