Cessna has unveiled an upgraded version of its single engine Skylane single piston to run on Jet-A fuel.
The Turbo 182 NXT will come equipped with a 230hp (171kW) diesel engine from French manufacturer SMA Safran and will feature a maximum speed of 155kt, a range of 1,160nm and a ceiling of 20,000ft, all significant boosts over the current avgas burning 182 model. Cessna said the new aircraft will burn 11 US gallons (41.6 litres) of jet fuel per hour.
The upgraded 182 will be available in the second quarter of 2013 at a base price of US$515,000.
“Cessna’s Turbo 182 NXT delivers a solution that the marketplace has been asking for,” said Jeff Umscheid, Cessna 172, 182, 206 business leader. “The 230hp Jet-A engine offers customers increased range and greater payload capacity and does not sacrifice performance. This plane offers significantly lower direct operating costs due to the fact that jet-A fuel is typically more affordable and much more widely available.”
Cessna said the Turbo 182 NXT will also be more environmentally friendly by eliminating concerns about carbon monoxide emissions, fuel mixtures, propeller control and exhaust gas associated with avgas engines. A lower propeller speed will also result in reduced noise.
The Turbo 182 NXT will seat up to four and will feature the Garmin G1000 avionics suite.
