Thielert Centurion

{{short description|Series of Diesel cycle aircraft engines for general aviation}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}} {{Use American English|date=January 2022}} {{Refimprove|date=December 2011}}  {{infobox aero engine |name= Centurion |image= Thielert Centurion 4.0 f.jpg |caption= Thielert Centurion 4.0 |engine_type= [[Aircraft Diesel engine]] |manufacturer= [[Thielert]] |first_run= |major_applications= [[Diamond DA42 Twin Star]] |number_built = |developed_from = |developed_into = |variants_with_their_own_articles = }}

The '''Thielert Centurion''' is a series of [[Aircraft Diesel engine|diesel cycle aircraft engines]] for [[general aviation]] originally built by [[Thielert]], which was bought by [[Aviation Industry Corporation of China]]'s Technify Motors subsidiary and is currently marketed by Continental Motors.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=AOPA Pilot|date=February 2015|page=70|title=Little diesel big fuel savings}}</ref> They are based on heavily modified [[Mercedes-Benz]] automotive engines.

==Design== All Centurion engines are liquid-cooled, [[turbocharger|turbocharged]], and employ a single-lever power control (SLPC) associated with a [[Full Authority Digital Engine Control|full authority digital engine control]] (FADEC). This simplifies engine management for the pilot, as well as improving reliability as it prevents the engine being operated improperly. The series utilizes either [[jet fuel]] or diesel fuel. The high [[compression ratio]] of the engine combined with the digitally controlled [[fuel injection]] system mirrors similar advances in automotive technology.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

Centurion series engines are always fitted with [[constant speed propeller]]s which allow the engine to be operated at optimum speed at all times. However, the normal RPM speed is too high for any suitable propeller, consequently the propeller is driven through a reduction gearbox. The constant speed propeller and reduction gear result in a propeller tip speed that is 10-15% lower than comparable conventional [[avgas]] engines, reducing propeller noise.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

The diesel engine's high compression results in better fuel efficiency and the higher operating rpm of the Centurion allows higher power to be developed from a smaller displacement, in comparison with conventional aircraft piston engines (i.e. engines that require leaded aviation gasoline with a very high octane rating).{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} A Centurion engine complete with [[constant speed unit]] (CSU), reduction gearbox, turbocharger and FADEC engine management system is considerably heavier than the more conventional [[Teledyne Continental Motors|Continental]] and [[Lycoming Engines|Lycoming]] engines which it competes against. However, this weight disadvantage is compensated for by the Centurion's lower fuel consumption. Even though they lack the [[ignition magneto|magneto]]s and [[spark plugs]] of conventional petrol (gas) piston engines, Centurion engines are considerably more complex.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}<ref name=ann1>"[http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=video.playVideo&videoid=5b19009d-30ec-4d65-a87b-9478ef8cc00e Aero-TV: Doing It Diesel Style -- Glasair's New Diesel Offering]" 29 August 2014. Accessed: 3 September 2014.</ref>

==Variants== [[File:DiamondDA-42TwinStarN131TSThielertEngineDetail.jpg|thumb|right|Centurion 1.7 installation in a [[Diamond DA42]]]]

;Centurion 1.7 (TAE 125-01): :The first product introduced by Thielert, a 1689 cm³ (103 in³) engine producing {{cvt|135|PS|kW|0}} is an [[inline-four engine]] based on the [[Mercedes-Benz OM668]] from [[Mercedes-Benz A-Class#W168|Mercedes-Benz A-Class A 170 CDI (W168)]] with 80 mm bore and 84 mm stroke.

:The engine produces more power than a [[Lycoming O-320]] above 4,000 ft, can maintain 93 kW (125 hp) till FL120, and burns {{cvt|17.5|L/h|gal/h}} in cruise at FL175 for 72 kW (97 hp): {{cvt|{{#expr:17.5*.8/72round3}}|kg/kWh|lb/hph}}.<ref name=TAE25Apr2003>{{cite web |title= Development of the CENTURION Jet Fuel Aircraft Engines at TAE |date= 25 April 2003 |url= http://www.dglr.de/literatur/publikationen/kolbentriebwerke/TAE_AERO2003.pdf}}</ref>

:More than 1,500 Centurion 1.7s had been built until the end of 2006 when it was replaced by the Centurion 2.0. The in-service record of the 1.7 has been poor.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

:A combination of design, service and support issues caused widespread customer dissatisfaction.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/AVwebInsiderBlog_Thielert_FlawedEconomics_197998-1.html?type=pf |title= Thielert's Flawed Economics (And Why the Company Knows It) |publisher= AVwebinsider |date= May 29, 2008 |author= Paul Bertorelli}}</ref> :Diamond then designed its own [[Austro Engine]]s as an alternative to Thielert.

:The engines were later marketed as the CD-135 by Continental Engines and produced in [[Sankt Egidien|St. Egidien, Germany]] before being granted final assembly in [[Fairhope, Alabama]] for the U.S. retrofit market in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title= Continental Motors Group To Assemble Diesel Kits In U.S. |url= http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Continental-Motors-Group-To-Assemble-Diesel-Kits-In-US-223876-1.html |date= April 16, 2015 |author= Elaine Kauh |work= AvWeb }}</ref>

[[File:Centurion20.jpg|right|thumb|Centurion 2.0]]

;Centurion 2.0 - Continental CD-135 (TAE 125-02-99) :Introduced in late 2006. The main difference is a new [[Mercedes-Benz OM640]] engine cylinder block from the Mercedes-Benz A 200 CDI ([[Mercedes-Benz A-Class#Second_generation_(W169;_2004)|W169]]) with a displacement of 1991 cm<sup>3</sup> (Ø83 x 92 mm). Other improvements include a more compact FADEC, a lighter cast gearbox housing, interfaces for glass cockpits and a new service tool that allows the FADEC to be programmed in the field. Dimensions of the Centurion 2.0 and 1.7 are nearly identical and the install kits are compatible, so a 1.7 at the end of its life can be replaced with a 2.0. The Centurion 2.0 is rated for a power output of {{convert|135|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}, the same as the 1.7, but is [[European Aviation Safety Agency|EASA]] and [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] certified for {{convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}. It has accumulated more than 1,000,000 flight hours without mechanical failures as of April 2008.

;Centurion 2.0 S (TAE 125-02-114) :This 4-cylinder [[Turbo-diesel|turbodiesel]] [[Common Rail Direct Injection|common rail direct injection]] with redundant FADEC control offers {{convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} providing a significant power increase compared to the {{convert|135|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}} Centurion 2.0 for no additional weight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avbuyer.com/articles/detail.asp?Id=1564|title= Featured Engine: Centurion 2.0S|date=December 2009|publisher=GA Buyer Europe Magazine|accessdate=2013-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centurion-engines.com/typo3/index.php?id=84&L=1|publisher=Centurion Engines|title= Centurion 2.0s – Jet Fuel Piston Engine with 155 hp|accessdate=2013-08-28}}</ref> An engine kit may cost $89,000.<ref name=ann1/>

;Centurion 3.0 :Certified 20 June 2017 by [[Technify Motors GmbH]] (application: 19 December 2013), 2987 cm³ V6 four stroke Diesel piston engine with common rail high pressure direct fuel injection, turbocharger, 1:1.66 gearbox and electronic [[Engine Control Unit|engine control unit]]. 980 mm Length × 700 mm Height × 790 mm Width, 265 kg dry, 221 kW (300 HP) for 5 min, 202 kW (272 HP) maximum continuous, both at 3880 rpm (2340 prop rpm).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/EASA%20TCDS%20E104_Centurion3_Issue01.pdf |title= type certificate data sheet No. E.104 |at= Centurion 3.0 series engines |date= 20 June 2017 |publisher= EASA |access-date= June 27, 2017 |archive-date= August 7, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192959/https://www.easa.europa.eu/system/files/dfu/EASA%20TCDS%20E104_Centurion3_Issue01.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> It has the same dimensions as the [[Mercedes-Benz OM642]].

;Centurion 3.2 :Intended to fill the gap between the Centurion 2.0 and the 4.0 and designed to produce {{convert|230|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Development is largely complete, but the project is on hold.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

[[File:Thielert Centurion 4.0 vr.jpg|thumb|A Centurion 4.0 on display]]

;Centurion 4.0 :The 75° [[V8]] DOHC [[4 valves per cylinder]] was initially equipped with two turbochargers and weighed {{cvt|283.5|kg}} dry for 228 kW max (310 hp) till FL80 at 2300 rpm at the propeller, and 176 kW (250 hp) in cruise for {{cvt|29.5|L|gal}}/h and {{cvt|25|L|gal}}/h at best economy, for {{cvt|208|g/kW/h|lb/hp/h}}. It was planned for a production of 600 per year.<ref name=TAE25Apr2003/>

:Designed as a larger engine to replace the {{cvt|300|hp|kW|0}} gasoline engines and developed from the [[Mercedes-Benz OM629]] automobile engine, it produced 350 hp (261 kW) later with a larger single turbocharger.

:After the insolvency of Thielert in April 2008 all work on the Centurion 4.0 was frozen.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

;Continental CD-155 :Is the [[Continental Motors, Inc.]] brand name of the Centurion 2.0S with {{convert|155|PS|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Niles28Jul14">{{cite news|url = http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna-Introduces-Diesel-172222445-1.html|title = Textron Introduces Diesel 172|accessdate = 29 July 2014|last = Niles|first = Russ|date = 28 July 2014|work = AVweb|archive-date = July 30, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140730053758/http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Cessna-Introduces-Diesel-172222445-1.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> The engine must be replaced every 2,100 hours, the gearbox has to be replaced for an inspection at 900 hours, the high-pressure [[pump]] has a [[Aircraft_part#Life_limited_parts|life limit]] of 600 hours, the alternator of 600 hours, [[friction]] disk of 900 hours, V-ribbed [[Belt (mechanical)|belt]] of 1,200 hours, alternator [[Excitation (magnetic)|excitation]] battery of 12 months. Fuel, oil, and cooling lines are replaced at 60 months<ref name=AIN21nov2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2018-11-21/pilot-report-piper-diesel-archer |title= Pilot Report: Piper Diesel Archer |author= Matt Thurber |date= November 21, 2018 |work= AIN online}}</ref> except for the Robin DR400 where these items are 'on condition' with no set life-limit. The dual mass flywheel, which is intended to have the same life as the engine, is tested in-situ at 1,200 hours.

; TAE 125-02-125 (Continental CD-170) :A four-cylinder, liquid-cooled {{cvt|125|kW|hp}} diesel engine with FADEC, dual overhead camshafts and a common rail direct fuel injection system, weighing {{cvt|156|kg}} and certified by the [[EASA]] on 22 July 2020. In September 2020 the [[Tecnam P2010]] TDI was launched with the CD170 as its powerplant.<ref name=TCDSE.55>{{citation |url= https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/E.055%20TCDS_TAE125_issue_13_0.pdf |title= Type Certificate Data Sheets No. E.055 |publisher= EASA |date= 22 July 2020 |access-date= October 8, 2020 |archive-date= August 11, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210811163857/https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/E.055%20TCDS_TAE125_issue_13_0.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>

;Continental CD-300 :The Continental brand name of the six cylinder 3 litre Thielert Diesel, with an output of {{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2300 rpm.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Sport Aviation|date=September 2014|page=16|title=Continental Unveils V-6 Diesel - Rebranding Efforts}}</ref> The CD-300 should replace the Safran/SMA diesel engine for the five-seat, single-engine [[Diamond DA50]] from the third quarter of 2020 after a first flight of the combination on 22 March 2019, with a cruise fuel burn of 34.8 L/h (9.2USgal/h).<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/diamond-selects-continental-cd-300-to-power-da50-457446/ |title= Diamond selects Continental CD-300 to power DA50 |date= 15 Apr 2019 |author= Kate Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal}}</ref> FAA certification was granted on 25 July 2023.<ref name="Oconnor25Jul23">{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/airventure/diamond-da50-rg-earns-faa-type-certificate/|title= Diamond DA50 RG Earns FAA Type Certificate|access-date= 26 July 2023|last= O'Connor|first= Kate|work= AVweb|date= 25 July 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230726124449/https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/airventure/diamond-da50-rg-earns-faa-type-certificate/|archive-date= 26 July 2023|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Applications==

===Centurion 1.7=== * [[Diamond DA40|Diamond DA40-TDI Star]] * [[Diamond DA42 Twin Star]] * [[Apex Aircraft]] [[Robin DR400]] 135 CDI Ecoflyer * [[Cessna 172]] ("F" and later models, modified under a [[Supplemental Type Certificate]])<ref name="SA13003WI">{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/F91E8E02A1E09BC0862576DA004FB3EF?OpenDocument|title = Supplemental Type Certificate SA01303WI|accessdate = 19 May 2010|last = [[Federal Aviation Administration]]|authorlink = |date=November 2009}}</ref> * [[General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]]

===CD135, CD155 & CD170 (Centurion 2.0)=== * [[Diamond DA42 Twin Star]] * [[Diamond DA40]] * [[Tecnam P2010]] (CD170) * [[Cessna 172]] ("F" and later models, modified under a Supplemental Type Certificate)<ref name="SA13003WI" /> * [[Robin DR400]] Ecoflyer *[[TAI Anka]] Turkish Aerospace Industries MALE UAV *[[Piper PA-28 Cherokee]] (modified under a Supplemental Type Certificate)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centurion-engines.com/typo3/index.php?id=95&L=1|title= STC for Piper PA |publisher=Centurion Engines|accessdate=2013-08-27}}</ref> *[[Piper PA-28 Archer DX]] * [[Airbus Helicopters VSR700]] naval [[UAV]] based on the [[Cabri G2]]<ref>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/vertical-flight/airbus-preparing-fly-vsr700-prototype-2018 |title= Airbus Preparing To Fly VSR700 Prototype In 2018 |date= Jan 24, 2018 |author= Tony Osborne |magazine= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref>

===Centurion 3.2=== * [[Cessna 182]] - Proposed STC

===Centurion 4.0=== *[[Cirrus SR-22]] (STC) *[[Cessna 206]] (STC) *[[Hybrid Air Vehicles HAV 304 Airlander 10]]

===Continental CD-155=== *[[Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A]] - new production aircraft with engine installation under an STC *[[Glasair Sportsman 2+2]] - experimental homebuilt aircraft *[[Akaflieg Stuttgart FS35]] - motorglider optimized for aero tow === Continental CD300=== *[[Diamond DA50|Diamond DA50 RG]]

==See also== {{Aircontent |related=

|similar engines= * [[Austro Engine E4]] * [[Continental CD-200]] * [[SMA SR305-230]]

|lists= * [[List of aircraft engines]] |see also= }}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category-multi|Thielert Centurion 1.7|Thielert Centurion 2.0|Thielert Centurion 4.0}} * [http://www.centurion-engines.com/ Centurion engines home page] * [http://www.easa.eu.int/doc/Certification/Design_Appro/Engines/TAE125%20series%20issue%2005.pdf EASA Type Certificate Centurion 1.7 / 2.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009224552/http://www.easa.eu.int/doc/Certification/Design_Appro/Engines/TAE125%20series%20issue%2005.pdf |date=October 9, 2007 }} * [http://www.easa.eu.int/ws_prod/c/doc/Design_Appro/Engines/TCDS%20Centurion%204.0%20series-%20issue04.pdf EASA Type Certificate Centurion 4.0]{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

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