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Flight Design announces powerplant for C4

Flight Design announced that Continental Motors' new IO-360-AF has been selected as the engine for the company's four seat C4 entry currently under development. A full-scale mockup of the new certified aircraft was initially shown overseas at Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany and in the USA at AirVenture 2011.

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

"We are excited Flight Design selected Continental Motors to power their newest aircraft," said Rhett Ross, President, Continental Motors. "We think the IO360-AF engine, which is designed for alternative fuels, is the perfect fit for Flight Design's new C4 aircraft and further demonstrates Continental's reputation for delivering innovative products that are backed by an experienced staff and a 100-year history," continued Ross.

Flight Design 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. "This was a key prerequisite for Flight Design and our C4 customers, as the future of 100LL is uncertain at best," explained Doman. Beyond the alternative fuel advantage, the IO-360 series from Continental has an excellent reputation for reliability, long life and smooth operation.

Being rated in other airframe installations at up to 210 horsepower, the IO-360-AF engine is able to be easily de-tuned to the 180 horsepower 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 2,000 hour Time Between Overhaul (TBO) and is backed by Continental's industry leading warranty and service support.

Flight Design's is planning first flights of the C4 prototype in 2012 with certification later that year or 2013. Customer deliveries will begin following certification, with some C4 "Early Bird" special promotion incentive delivery positions still available.

Press release issued by Flight Design GmbH on October 3, 2011

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