An Intriguing Aero-TV Interview: Thielert Talks Thielert

Frank Thielert Talks About The Engine That's Creating A New Level of "Buzz"

A few years ago, the idea of a General Aviation diesel was pretty much... science fiction. Today, it's science fact. While many have contributed to our cumulative knowledge of aero-diesel technology, no one has done as much in the certified realm as Frank Thielert and Thielert Aircraft Engines.

Diamond Aircraft deserves aggressive pats on the back for being the first to truly integrate diesel engine technology into modern GA airplanes. On the DA40, a staple in the rental/flight training market (especially in Europe), the Thielert Centurion 1.7 achieved excellent fuel specifics and built up thousands of hours in heavy-duty service.

On the twin-engine DA42, the Centurion 1.7 and the newer Centurion 2.0 has been a big hit overseas and now here in North America as standard powerplants on the one of the most revolutionary piston aircraft currently produced by any GA manufacturer. And now, mighty Cessna has adopted the Centurion 2.0 for the new Skyhawk TD... the first Cessna piston aircraft capable of burning "Jet-A."

The Centurion 2.0 engine is certified for the use of both kerosene and approved automotive diesel fuels. Just as innovative as the diesel technology is the use of FADEC systems to maintain proper efficiencies and operational parameters. The Centurion 2.0 is equipped with separate redundant FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) systems. The two independently operating systems health-check each other permanently; the healthier one takes control automatically, if one fails to meet proper specifications. FADEC controls and monitors engine functions and enables the use of a single lever control for all operating parameters including propeller pitch control. The FADEC also logs all relevant engine data for analysis.

The more recently developed and type certificated Centurion 4.0 met EASA certification requirements 28 October 2004 and has since received FAA certification. The CENTURION 4.0 is a V8-engine producing 350hp. The Centurion 4.0 is a V-arrangement with eight cylinders, each with four valves. It is dual-turbo charged and equipped with common rail direct injection. In addition, it is liquid- cooled, has a completely electronic engine and propeller control unit, and a wet sump oil system as well as a reduction gearbox. The engine is certified by EASA and FAA. The Centurion 4.0 is certified only for use with Jet-A.

It all sounds good... but somehow, we think you should hear more... and from the most knowledgeable person possible -- the guy behind this massive undertaking... Frank Thielert, himself. So.... enjoy Aero-TV's visit with Frank Thielert.

FMI: www.thielert.com, www.centurion-engines.com
Copyright 2008, Aero-News network, Inc., ALL Rights Reserved

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Diesel
• Thielert
• Jet-A
• Diamond
• Cessna
• Aviation
• FAA
• Airplanes
• flying
• pilot
• plane
• aerospace
• aeronautics
• aviator
• aero-news

[LelandHF]

Its also a shame that the engine system (mainly the gearboxes and Prop governor) were not planned out to be very durable. 300 hour TBO! The Diamond Austro Engines can't come soon enough with their gearboxes to be rated at 2400 hours TBO. That and those engines are more powerful and fuel efficient.

[freddytuber]

Look at all the hoses and cables - too late. Now it's time for brushless electric and lithium nano batteries that are charged with a solar wing! Screw diesel and gas - outdated.

[marick626]

too bad they went bankrupt. Diamond owners are paying heavily for this.

[dosboricuas]

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