TRACE Engines L.P. Successfully Tests 750 Horsepower Aircraft Engine

MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In October 2009, TRACE Engines L.P. received its FAA Production Certificate for its 600 horsepower, liquid cooled, turbocharged V8 engine for the General Aviation market.  

In January 2010, TRACE achieved a new power milestone by successfully testing a production engine, with an experimental camshaft to over 750 horsepower.  The additional 150 horsepower on the certified OE600 (600hp) TRACE platform enables an extra safety margin for short field take off applications.  It also enables even faster climb rates to cruise altitude with similar fuel consumption.  TRACE Engines is preparing for type approval of the new engine which will be designated the TE750, and has begun critical testing.  

According to Chief Operating Officer, David Czarnecki, "The increased horsepower on our new engine will open doors to general aviation applications that are currently powered by 750hp turbines."   Czarnecki added that many aircraft companies around the world should benefit from the TRACE piston engine power, increased speed and performance at altitude, dramatically lower overhaul costs as well as substantial fuel consumption savings.   "We are also excited to be able to offer our additional high performance at the exceptional value of piston pricing," Czarnecki further added.

TRACE Engines also will offer its TE750 with enhancements to its current production certified OE600 model.  The most significant advance is electronic fuel injection and ignition.  "Our plan is to optimize the performance of our TRACE Engine for all operating points, which electronic engine management will allow us to do.  With this optimization, we can offer gains in fuel efficiency and adjustability per airframe." added Czarnecki.  The electronic engine management will also be applied to the OE600 engine as a performance enhancement kit for engines in service and will ultimately become stock on all engines from the factory once FAA certification is complete.  

Development and validation testing should be completed in 2010, with full certification expected early next year.  Given the limited modifications to our Type Design Data, the testing will mostly involve approval of the electronic engine management system.  Czarnecki also added, "TRACE Engines will be pushing to bring our new 750 horsepower model to market as soon as possible and are currently seeking STC partners for select airframe applications."

SOURCE TRACE Engines, L.P.