Continental Increases Diesel Engine TBR to 2,100 Hours

At AERO Friedrichshafen, AVIC International subsidiary Continental Motors announced it is raising the TBR (time between replacement) of its CD-100 series engines to 2,100 hours, a significant milestone for aero diesel engine technology.

According to Continental president Rhett Ross, this lifetime increase affects all CD-135 and CD-155 engines manufactured since December 1, 2015, incorporating revision status 2 design changes. The lifetime extension was possible due to several design improvements engineered in the last two years, he said.

The TBR of the CD-155 increases from 1,200 hours to 2,100 hours and the CD-135 from 1,500 to 2,100 hours. The gearbox and timing chain TBR will double from 600 to 1,200 hours once EASA issues the final paperwork for these components. The extended hours apply to new engines coming off the assembly line at Continental’s St. Egidien, Germany, factory, as well as replacements being sent to the field.

Ross also said Continental has partnered with Aviall as its domestic and international master distributor for aftermarket parts effective immediately. Aviall will be responsible for providing Continental Motors gasoline engine spare, while diesel parts will be added in Phase II at a later date.

Ross also announced that the company's high-output diesel, the 310 hp V6 CD-300, is proceeding through certification and will be production ready by early next year.