The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have issued type certificates for the diesel-powered Cessna Skyhawk JT-A fitted with G1000 NXi avionics.
The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A is a factory option that includes a Continental CD-155 diesel engine, propeller and cockpit upgrade package.
“The Skyhawk platform represents the most successful single-engine aircraft of all time, and we’re excited to further enhance its capabilities with Jet-A powerplant technology,” said Doug May, vice president, Piston Aircraft.
“The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A allows operators to meet changing environmental regulations around the world, providing solutions to increase the global reach of this already proven platform.”
The Skyhawk JT-A has achieved a range of 963 nm, an increase of 78 nm over original estimates and a 50% improvement on the standard Skyhawk, and testing have revealed an improved maximum speed of 134 KTAS, take-off distance of 402 m and a max climb rate of 767 feet per minute.
Continental's CD-155 burns jet fuel and features direct fuel injection and a dual channel FADEC driven by a single power lever, offering improved "hot and high" performance over the standard C172.