Flight Design selects Continental IO-360-AF for C4

German manufacturer Flight Design has selected Continental Motors' new IO-360-AF to power its forthcoming four-seat C4 high wing aircraft.

After enjoying sizeable global success in the LSA market, Flight Design has set its sights on the certified aircraft market with the C4, which is currently under development.

Flight Design says it conducted a thorough review of the current engine suppliers and their technologies and decided Continental offered the best fit for the C4. The new 6-cylinder IO-360-AF (Alternative Fuel) being developed by Continental Motors for the C4 will be able to operate on 100LL avgas as well as alternative fuel(s) to 100LL.

Rated in other airframe installations at up to 210hp, the IO-360-AF engine is able to be easily de-tuned to the 180hp range required for the C4, producing that power at a reduced 2550 RPM, resulting in quieter operation and less stress on the engine, promising reliable and trouble-free operation over the lifetime of the engine. The Continental engine offers a 2000 hour Time Between Overhaul (TBO)

“Flight Design is pleased to announce selection for the avgas/alternative fuel engine, which will be the initial engine offering for the C4,” Director of Business Development and Global Sales & Marketing for Flight Design GmbH, John Doman, said.

“We think the IO360-AF engine, which is designed for alternative fuels, is the perfect fit for Flight Design’s new C4 aircraft,” Continental Motors’ President Rhett Ross said.

“This was a key pre-requisite for Flight Design and our C4 customers, as the future of 100LL is uncertain at best,” Doman adds. “However, Flight Design remains committed to also offer a diesel engine operating on widely available Jet A, but the decision on the heavy fuel engine will come later.”

Flight Design is aiming to fly the C4 prototype for the first time in 1012, with certification to follow later that year or in 2013 and first customer deliveries thereafter.

Read our previous reporting on the Flight Design C4.