Continental IO-550

{{Short description|American piston aircraft engine}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}}  {{Infobox aircraft engine | name = IO-550 | image = Columbia400Engine.jpg | caption = Continental TSIO-550-C engine installation in a Cessna 400 | engine_type = Piston aircraft engine | national_origin = United States | manufacturer = Teledyne Continental Motors | first_run = 1983 | produced = 1983–present | major_applications = {{Unbulleted list | Velocity XL | Cirrus SR22| Cessna TTx | Cessna 185 | Mooney M20 | Bellanca Viking | Beechcraft Baron |Beechcraft Bonanza}} | developed_from = Continental O-520 }}

The '''Continental IO-550''' engine is a large family of 9-liter fuel-injected six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft engines that were developed for use in light aircraft by Teledyne Continental Motors (now Continental Aerospace Technologies). The first IO-550 was delivered in 1983 and the type remains in production.<ref name="E3SO">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9885C3A741050E0B862572A4006E300C?OpenDocument&Highlight=550|title = Type Certificate Data No. E3SO Revision 10|access-date = 2008-12-28|last = Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192355/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/ad5e08854d63389c862572a4006e2912/$FILE/E3SO.pdf|archive-date = 8 June 2011|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="E5SO">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/28811040e5cd10c586257712004008cf/$FILE/E5SO.pdf|title = Type Certificate Data No. E5SO Revision 6|access-date = 21 June 2010|last = Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180440/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/28811040e5cd10c586257712004008cf/$FILE/E5SO.pdf|archive-date = 5 January 2018|url-status= dead}}</ref>

The '''IOF-550''' is an Aerosance FADEC equipped version of the same basic engine, the '''TSIO-550''' is a dual turbocharged version and the '''TSIOL-550''' is a liquid-cooled variant.<ref name="E3SO" /><ref name="E5SO" /><ref name="E4SO">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D3AB1F2213075EA48525670E00483A5E?OpenDocument&Highlight=tsiol-550|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. E4SO Revision 1|access-date = 2008-12-28|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = August 1997|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180434/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D3AB1F2213075EA48525670E00483A5E?OpenDocument&Highlight=tsiol-550|archive-date = 2018-01-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

There is no O-550 engine, which would be a carburetor-equipped variant, hence the base model is the IO-550.<ref name="E3SO" /><ref name="E5SO" />

This engine family competes with the Lycoming IO-580 series which are also six-cylinder engines with similar power output and weight.<ref name="E00004NY">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D2F3A343A114ECB4862573F6004C76F4?OpenDocument&Highlight=580|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. E00004NY, Revision 1|access-date = 2009-01-03|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180432/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D2F3A343A114ECB4862573F6004C76F4?OpenDocument&Highlight=580|archive-date = 2018-01-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

==Design and development==

The IO-550 family of engines was developed from the IO-520 series, with the stroke increased from {{cvt|4|to|4.25|in}}, increasing the displacement to 552 in³ (9.05 L). The engine family covers a power range from {{convert|280|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} to {{convert|360|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="E3SO" /><ref name="E5SO" />

The engines were first developed in the early 1980s and first certified on a regulatory basis of FAR 33, 1 February 1965 amendment, 33-8, 2 May 1977. The first IO-550 model was certified on 13 October 1983.<ref name="E3SO" /><ref name="E5SO" />

==Variants== ;IO-550-A :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|430.72|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-B :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|421.61|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-C :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|433.20|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-D :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|437.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Certified 23 June 1988.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-E :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|450.50|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 20 December 1989.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-F :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|437.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-A,B & C, with a top-mounted induction system and {{cvt|12|usqt|L}} oil sump. Certified 23 June 1988.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-G :{{convert|280|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|428.97|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 17 March 1989.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-L :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|438.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Certified 23 June 1988.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-N :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|429.97|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-G with increased power rating. Certified 16 August 1996.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-P :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|429|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N with oil sump from the IO-550-L. Certified 1 March 2000.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IO-550-R :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|439.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N, but with the oil sump, oil suction tube and mount legs from the IO-550-B. Certified 1 March 2000.<ref name="E3SO" />

===FADEC models=== ;IOF-550-B :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|447.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-B with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-C :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|453.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-C with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-D :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|455.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-D with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-E :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|462.8|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-E with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-F :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-F with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-L :{{convert|300|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|455.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-L with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-N :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-P :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-P with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" /> ;IOF-550-R :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|470.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-R with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.<ref name="E3SO" />

===Turbocharged models=== ;TSIO-550-A :{{convert|360|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIO-550-B :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-A except with a 12 quart sump, sonic venturii removed and the two stage fuel pump replaced by a single stage fuel pump.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIO-550-C :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIO-550-E :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to TSIO-550-C with the oil sump and maximum continuous power rating of the TSIO-550-B.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIO-550-G :{{convert|310|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|554|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E with smaller surface area intercoolers, different oil sump capacity and power rating.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIO-550-K :{{convert|315|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|522|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E with new oil sump and capacity, decreased maximum continuous power, increased turbo boost pressure, decreased engine speed rating and tapered cylinder barrel fins.<ref name="E5SO" />

===Turbocharged & FADEC models=== thumb|right|TSIOF-550-D ;TSIOF-550-D :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|558|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|35.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIOF-550-J except the exhaust system and low voltage harness.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIOF-550-J :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|558|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|35.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E except for FADEC fuel injection and ignition control, turbochargers, tapered cylinder barrel fins, oil sump and capacity, maximum continuous speed and manifold pressure rating.<ref name="E5SO" /> ;TSIOF-550-K :{{convert|315|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|537.3|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-K, but with FADEC fuel injection and ignition control.<ref name="E5SO" />

===Liquid-cooled models=== ;TSIOL-550-A :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|402|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIO-520-NB, but with a new cylinder design that uses liquid cooling. The coolant manifold is on top of the cylinder head, with a coolant pump fitted to the starter adapter, driven by the starter adapter shaft and the oil cooler is mounted on the airframe, not the engine. The engine has an AiResearch TA81 turbocharger.<ref name="E4SO" /> ;TSIOL-550-B :{{convert|325|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|557|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIO-520-UB, but with a new cylinder design that uses liquid cooling. The coolant manifold is on top of the cylinder head, with a coolant pump fitted to the starter adapter, driven by the propeller shaft using sheaves, the oil cooler is mounted on the airframe, not the engine. A coolant tank and coolant lines are added to the installation. The engine has an AiResearch TS06 turbocharger.<ref name="E4SO" /> ;TSIOL-550-C :{{convert|350|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|546|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIOL-550-A, but with the exhaust system and turbocharger bracket from the TSIOL-550-B. The engine is modified to accept the AiResearch TA81 turbocharger. Neither oil nor coolant radiators are provided with the engine.<ref name="E4SO" />

===Geared models=== ;GIO-550-A :A special non-certified geared engine developed for the Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor covert reconnaissance aircraft, incorporating 3:2 gear reduction to 2267 rpm.<ref name="Stoll">{{cite web|url = http://www.alexstoll.com/AircraftOfTheMonth/9-01.html|title = Schweizer RU-38A Twin Condor |access-date = 2008-06-04|last = Stoll, Alex|date=September 2001}}</ref><ref name="TCMlink">{{cite web|url = http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/MSB94-4G.pdf|title = MANDATORY SERVICE BULLETIN MSB94-4G|access-date = 2009-07-14|last = TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL|date = October 2005|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091116234512/http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/MSB94-4G.pdf|archive-date = 2009-11-16|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="MilDesig">{{cite web|url = http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/engines.html|title = Designations Of U.S. Military Aero Engines|access-date = 2009-07-14|last = Parsch|first = Andreas|date=February 2008}}</ref>

==Applications== [[File:Lancair IV-P C-GLFP 02.jpg|thumb|right|Lancair IV-P equipped with a TSIO-550]]

;IO-550 *Beechcraft Baron *Beechcraft Bonanza *Bellanca 17-30 *Cessna 182 (STC SA09133SC, modification)<ref name="C182mod">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/C3897CA52D560C7D862576CD004D7483?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa09133sc|title = Supplemental Type Certificate, STC Number: SA09133SC|access-date = 9 September 2014|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = 4 November 1999|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180442/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/C3897CA52D560C7D862576CD004D7483?OpenDocument&Highlight=sa09133sc|archive-date = 5 January 2018|url-status = dead}}</ref> *Cessna 206 (modification)<ref>{{Cite web|title=IO550|url=https://summitaviationmfg.com/io550/|access-date=2022-02-10|website=Summit Aviation|language=en-US}}</ref> *Cessna 210 (modification)<ref>[https://disciplesofflight.com/cessna-210-centurion/ Cessna 210 Centurion], Disciples of Flight, 2/21/15, Aircraft Engine Upgrade section.</ref> *Cessna 350 *Cirrus SR22 *Cirrus VK-30 *Freedom Aviation Phoenix *Lancair Barracuda *Lancair ES *Lancair Legacy *Mooney M20 *Seawind 300C *Velocity XL-RG *Washington T-411 Wolverine *Yakovlev Yak-112

;TSIO-550 *Adam A500 *Cessna 400 *Lancair IV *Mooney M20TN *Velocity TXL-RG *Cirrus SR22T

;TSIOF-550 *Diamond DA50 *Cobalt Co50 Valkyrie *KAI KC-100

;TSIOL-550 *Extra EA-400 *Viper Aircraft Viperfan

;GIO-550 *Schweizer RU-38 Twin Condor

==Specifications (IO-550-A)== {{pistonspecs |  |ref=''Type Certificate Data Sheet E3SO.''<ref name="E3SO" /> |type=6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed aircraft piston engine |bore=5.25 in (133.4 mm) |stroke=4.25 in (108.0 mm) |displacement=552 in³ (9.05 L) |length= |diameter= |width= |height= |weight=430.72 lb dry (195.37 kg) |valvetrain= |supercharger= |turbocharger= |fuelsystem=TCM fuel injection |fueltype= 100LL avgas |oilsystem= |coolingsystem=Air-cooled |power=300 hp (224 kW) at 2,700 rpm |specpower=0.54 hp/in³ (24.6 kW/L) |compression=8.5:1 |fuelcon= |specfuelcon= |oilcon= |power/weight=0.70 hp/lb (1.15 kW/kg) }}

==See also== {{aircontent  |see also=

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists= * List of aircraft engines  |similar engines= * Lycoming O-540 * Lycoming IO-580  }}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110615135959/http://www.tcmlink.com/EngSpecSheetDocs/IO550N.pdf Continental Specification Sheet IO-550-N]

Category:1980s aircraft piston engines Category:Boxer engines IO-550 Category:Six-cylinder engines Category:Air-cooled aircraft piston engines