Tecnam has delivered the first P2008s fitted with Rotax 912iS fuel-injected engines, the aircraft going to customers in the USA and Columbia.
The single-engined Tecnam P2008 is one of Tecnam’s best sellers, with carbon-fibre fuselage, metals wings and stabilator making it a popular choice for flying schools and private owners.
Offering the aircraft with the injected Rotax is expected to deliver greater fuel economy for no loss of power, according to Tecnam Managing Director Paolo Pascale.
"We have built our reputation on producing some of the most innovative, stylish and economical aeroplanes available in the General Aviation marketplace,” he said. “The all-new Rotax 912iS should reduce fuel costs (be it mogas or avgas) by 20%.”
Rotax has incorporated enhancements such as a modern fuel injection system and digital engine control unit (ECU) to the Rotax 912iS engine, which is desinged to ensure optimal fuel and air mixture at any altitude for longer flight range, lower operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions. The development of a four-stroke, four-cylinder 100 hp aircraft engine with a redundant electronic fuel injection system is thought to be a first for aviation.
The new Rotax 912 iS engine also provides a TBO of 2000 hours; the same as the non-injected 912 engine.