Williamsport, PA – July 25, 2005 – Lycoming Engines announced today the availability and implementation of its new valve-train roller tappet technology on applicable OEM-supplied, factory-overhauled or rebuilt 320, 360, 540, 580 and 720 series engines. The roller tappet eliminates the sliding motion between the cam and tappet, improving wear and allowing the introduction of more advanced materials.
Current Lycoming customers should contact their distributor or FBO for details about retrofitting roller tappets. Rollers will be installed in new aircraft engines beginning this month, so new aircraft buyers should check with their OEM dealer or salesperson to determine if Lycoming roller tappets will be installed on their aircraft of choice.
"As part of a phased program of technology improvements, we are very pleased to deliver roller tappets to the market, providing greater value to the customer with increased engine durability and reliability" stated Ian Walsh, vice president and general manager of Lycoming Engines. "We will continue to work with OEMs, distributors and other customer channels to ensure smooth adoption of this technology, with more innovations to come."
Roller tappets evolved from Lycoming's efforts to incorporate proven automotive technology into general aviation engines for improved durability. Last September, Lycoming selected Delphi, a recognized leader in roller hydraulic valve lifters for automobiles, as its key production partner for general aviation rollers.
Lycoming completed the FAA certification process in February and made roller tappets available in the after-market in July. In addition to FAA certification testing, roller tappets have undergone rigorous dynamometer, motoring, extreme cold-start, and in-flight testing.
Lycoming is an operating division of Textron's Avco Corporation subsidiary, specializing in the manufacture and support of piston aircraft engines. More than half of the world's general aviation fleet -- both rotary-wing and fixed-wing -- is powered by Lycoming piston engines. Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with more than 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com. An online press center can be found at www.lycomingpower.com/media.