Piper Announces Jet-A Powered Seminole

Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced today that they have selected the Continental Motors Group new CD-170 compression ignition engine fueled with Jet-A to power the Piper PA-44 Seminole. The world's leading multi-engine training aircraft will also feature counter rotating engines, giving flight schools and training organizations a single lever, FADEC training system with a history of innovation, simplicity and economy.  

After selecting the CD-155 Jet-A engine to power the Archer DX, Piper Aircraft extends its Jet-A powered range of trainer aircraft with the PA-44. The Piper Seminole is an advanced twin-engine trainer that has enabled thousands of pilots to earn their multi-engine rating. It is used by flight schools across all continents and is known for its reliability, all metal construction, stable flight characteristics, counter rotating engines, and its modern avionics suite.   

"Our experience with the Archer DX convinced us and our customers that we could deliver the best twin-engine training platform using the Continental Jet-A engine. We are extremely happy with the collaboration with Continental Motors. As the undisputed leader of Jet-A engines in general aviation they understand perfectly the pilot training market and our own needs." said Simon Caldecott, CEO of Piper Aircraft.   

Equipped with counter rotating engines and the latest versions of the universally acclaimed G1000 NXI by Garmin®, the Seminole is the ideal choice for training organizations. By transitioning to Jet-A burning engines, the Seminole DX addresses the requirements expressed by many customers across the world, especially in the many regions where Avgas availability and cost is a concern. The CD-100 series engine family expanded to 170 horsepower and a counter-rotating option offers a unique combination of simplicity, economy, and performance. Further, the experience accumulated with the Archer DX shows that dispatch rates increase on the versions powered by compression ignition engines. The combination of advanced technology, single lever -FADEC control, maintenance related down time, and maintenance diagnostic systems helps operators increase billed flight hours and decrease the amount of time spent in un-scheduled maintenance.  

"Our relationship with Piper on the Archer DX has allowed Continental Motors to expand its products to provide solutions required by pilot training organizations across the world.", said Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors Group.   

  The CD-100 family of compression ignition engines are extensively used in flight schools around the world with retrofit kits for many popular airframes are also available and certified in over 72 countries.

About the Piper Archer DX

Powered by the Continental CD-155 diesel engine, the Archer DX can cruise at a speed of 114 ktas / 211 km/h (at 70% power) with only 5.8 gph / 22 lph fuel burn. The G1000 avionics system as standard instrumentation provides a great mix of low workload and high technology. The special flight school interior, and the aircraft overall, is well suited to stand up to the rigors associated with flight training. The Archer DX offers competitive operating economics with a proven airframe that is perfect for flight training organizations worldwide. 

About Continental Motors Group

Continental Motors Group, Ltd. of Hong Kong, China is a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding (HK) LTD, a publicly traded company on the Hong Kong stock exchange (HKEX ticker: 232. Its mission is to provide advanced gasoline and Jet-A piston engine products, spare parts, engine and aircraft services, avionics equipment and repairs for the general aviation marketplace. Continental is an international operation employing approximately 675 team members in the USA, Germany, and China. More information can be found at www.continentalmotors.aero.

AVIC International Holding (HK) Limited is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company engaged in aviation, property, textile and trading businesses. The Company operates through four segments. The Aviation segment is engaged in the development, manufacturing, and support of advanced power system solutions for general aviation aircraft. The Property Development and Investment segment is engaged in the development of residential and commercial properties. The Knitting and Textile segment is engaged in the production and distribution of knitting and textile products, knitted fabrics and clothing. The Trading segment is engaged in the trading of raw materials and auxiliary materials.