Engine manufacturer Continental Aerospace says it is progressing well towards certifying a CD-300 Jet-A engine for retrofitting in Cessna 206 airframes.
The Alabama-based company is developing the engine in collaboration with German company FTI Engineering Network, with the aim of producing a power unit for installation via Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
Dr David Dörner, Vice President of Global Research and Development at Continental, said that recent tests carried out by FTI "displayed a significant step" towards the target of STC certification next year.
“The progress we are seeing with the CD-300 integration into the Cessna 206 illustrates the strength of our collaboration with FTI and our devotion to expanding Jet-A solutions across proven airframes,” he said .
“This milestone brings us one step closer to providing operators with a modern engine solution that enhances both performance and efficiency.”
The CD-300 engine is a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and direct fuel injection. Designed to operate on widely available Jet-A or Jet-A1 fuel, the engine delivers 300 HP while offering a lower fuel consumption.
Currently, Diamond's DA50 RG single is the only aircraft operating the CD-300, fitted as original equipment.
"These characteristics support lower operating costs, extended range, and consistent performance across diverse operating environments, making it well-suited for utility, training, and commercial applications," Continental says.
Testing at FTI is expected to continue to the next phase in the northern Summer, consistent with plans to have the STC available in 2027.
Australia has approximately 300 Cessna 206 aircraft, mostly fitted with the Continental IO-520 avgas-burning engine.
- Steve Hitchen