Scott Hayes, V.P. Sales and Marketing for Superior Air Parts, Inc., announced today that Sport Performance Aviation LLC (SPA) has selected Superior's 150-horsepower, XP-320 for its high-performance Panther Sport kit- built airplane.

“We are very excited and proud that Dan Weseman and his team at Sport Performance Aviation have selected our XP-320 for their Panther Sport kit airplane,” Hayes stated. “Dan and our eastern representative Mac Little put a lot of time in evaluating the combination and came to the conclusion that putting the 150-horsepower XP-320 on the Panther will create a truly amazing sport/aerobatic airplane.”

“When we decided to offer a 150-horsepower engine option for the single-seat Panther, my first choice was the Superior XP-320,” Weseman said. “I have used Superior's Millennium Cylinders on my personal aircraft for years and have always been extremely pleased with the performance and value they delivered. I'm sure that Panther builders will be equally happy with their XP-320 engine.”

“With the XP-320, builders will have the option of using low-compression cylinders and getting 150-horsepower or going with the higher-compression Millenniums to up it to 160-horsepower,” he added. “They'll also have the option of running either Avgas or autogas* in the XP-320. That feature will be especially attractive to owners who are building their Panther as an LSA (Light Sport Aircraft).”

“Whether you're doing aerobatics or just flying around, from a pilot/builder's perspective the SPA Panther is already an exceptional airplane,” Little said. “No doubt when you add the power of the XP-320 this wonderful airplane is going to turn into a world-leader in the single-seat sport aircraft arena.”

About the Superior Air Parts XP-320 Engine:

Displacement: 320 cubic inches

Max Continuous Break Horsepower: 160 hp standard

150 hp and 165 hp available

Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 standard

7:1 and 9:1 available

Engine Mount Type: Type 1 or 2 Dynafocal or Conical Propeller Drive: Direct, AS172 Type 2 Modified Propeller Type: Fixed Pitch or Constant Speed Weight: 285 to 295 pounds (depending on model)

Fuel types: 100 LL Avgas or 91 octane automotive gasoline* Engine Dimensions (in inches):

O-320

24.6H x 32.3W x 32.8D

IO-320

24.0H x 32.3W x 32.8D

*NOTE: Superior XP-320 Engines are approved for 100LL Avgas per AS D910, 91/98 (lead optional) and motor gasoline with a minimum antiknock index (R≠M/2 method of 91 per AS D4814 (European EN228). Use of auto fuel blended with alcohol (ethanol) is forbidden.