Compression ignition engines for aeronautical applications
Eric Drouin / Safran
SMA develops and manufactures piston engines burning Jet fuels, purposely-designed for the general aviation market, for single and multi-engine aircraft.
SMA is currently making production of the SR305-230E, its 4-cylinder engine of 230 hp. A new 6-cylinder engine is under development with power over 300 hp.
SMA engines technology emphasizes reliability and robustness, with the same ease of operation as with turboprop models.
SMA Technologies
SMA technologies for reliability and robustness
The Single-lever control decreases the pilot's workload, while improving safety thanks to a mechanical backup that takes over for electronic flight control if needed.
The turbocharger developed by SMA, supported by Safran's expertise in turbines,fully meets the required engine performance targets. The turbocharger maintains takeoff power up to an altitude of 10,000 ft, and retains its performance independently of outside temperature.
The electronic control unit (ECU) optimizes engine start, provides maximum power according to outside conditions (altitude, pressure, temperature), and controls the engine at low speed and power levels.
The mechanical injection pump, which manages the fuel supply, is operated by the ECU in normal mode, or by the pilot in manual mode. The engine's air and oil cooling system offers simplified engine integration and the absence of risks inherent in liquid cooling systems. This type of injection system has been proven on other applications, including under extreme temperature conditions.
The propeller interface allows mounting a variable speed propeller, using direct drive without a reduction gearbox. The propeller is maintained at a constant speed by its hydro mechanical control system, without requiring pilot input during the flight.
