Viddler

Lycoming Intro's Integrated Engine Technology, IO-233, Certified IO-390

Engine-maker Lycoming showed everyone at Oshkosh that while they may have been a mite quiet of late, they sure haven't been idle. NOT by a long shot...

One of the first, of several announcement was a "powerful" one... what they described as a 'new standard' for piston engine controls in its IE2 Series engines. Starting with its twin-turbocharged, 350-HP TEO-540-A1A flat six, Lycoming plans to certify its new Integrated Electronic Engine technology across its entire line. Sr. VP and General Manager Ian Walsh explained that the 540 was chosen to get the technology first, not because the company felt the demand was greatest on that platform, but because it would show that the system was ready for even one of Lycoming's largest, most complex, most powerful products.

The IE2 technology essentially brings the legacy engine configurations in line with the technology found on high end automotive control platforms. Fuel delivery, timing and other performance factors are managed, not as overall averages as in typical aircraft FADEC systems, but individually for each cylinder.

Lycoming says benefits include electronic knock detection, laying the groundwork for alternative fuels in the future, ease in starting similar to modern cars, and even automated pre-flight engine checks. Walsh added at the Monday press conference that fuel economy rises as much as 10-15 percent in cruise.

When everyone picked their jaws off the floor, Lycoming also reported other engine advances. Drawing from the solid O-235 platform proven over decades, a new IO-233-LSA variant has been designed and lightened, given throttle-body fuel injection and electronic ignition, while offering 100 continuous horsepower in as little as 200 pounds dry weight. The new engine is targeted at the light sport segment, where Rotax has built a big sales lead with its 900-series, water-cooled four-strokes, and