Continental Motors Group has received European Aviation Safety Agency certification for its most powerful diesel engine yet, the 300-hp V6 CD-300. Unveiled during AirVenture in 2014, the engine is the sixth diesel model that Continental has certified in its quest to offer a portfolio of alternatives to aviation gasoline-dependent engines.

“For Continental Motors Group, the type certification of the CD-300 signifies a further milestone in the development of our Continental diesel aircraft engine program. In conjunction with the CD-100 and CD-200 series engines, we now offer a diesel piston engine solution for all major general aviation aircraft categories,” said Jürgen Schwarz, vice president engineering, Continental Motors Group.

The company has more than 5,500 diesel engines in the field that have collectively accumulated more than 5.25 million flight hours.

Complementing the CD-100 and CD-200 series, the new CD-300 series has a three-liter displacement and generates 300 hp at a 2,340 propeller rpm, creating a quieter engine. The CD-300 comes with a single lever control and a dual, fully redundant electronic engine and propeller management system (Fadec).  

The engine further was designed with common rail technology, direct injection, twin turbocharging, liquid cooling and an advanced reduction gear system.

The EASA type certificate was awarded on June 20. Continental anticipates U.S. FAA and Civil Aviation Administration of China approvals shortly, and said it expects initial aircraft applications in early 2018.

As it adds the 300, Continental Motors Group is expanding CD-200 family with two new engines, the CD-265 for fixed-wing applications and the CD-285 for rotary wing.

Derived from the CD-230 that was certified by Continental in December 2012, the new engines are air cooled, boxer style and turbocharged. The CD-265 produces 262 hp at 2,500 rpm, while the CD-285 produces 285 hp at 2,700 rpm.

Continental is eying early 2018 for certification of both engine models.

“In some regions of the world, our clients are requesting jet fuel engines because of [lack of] avgas availability and its high cost. We intend to fulfill this need by offering a complete line of diesel cycle engines, covering all the needs expressed by our clients,” said Continental president and CEO Rhett Ross.

Ross added that this demand is true for the rotary-wing market as well. “Helicopter manufacturers are expressing more and more interest in jet-A burning engines, and we worked hard to deliver the right solution to their requests. The CD-285...offers an alternative to fuel-hungry turbines, lowering total ownership costs and direct operating costs,” he said.