While Cessna's C-162 SkyCatcher was first shown to the public as a Rotax powered vehicle, the ultimate powerplant selection by Cessna dictated that the front end be filled by a powerplant well-known to Cessna flyers the world over -- the Teledyne Continental O-200... and not just any O-200, but a new variant, this one lighter and updated to current needs, called the O-200D.
The Proof-Of-Concept bird first flew with a 100-hp Continental O-200 engine on Aug. 17, 2007, just a few days aftwer the final configuration was unveiled to the world on the grounds of Oshkosh. Cessna explained that the TCM O-200D was selected due to perceived "advantages in operations, warranty and maintenance."
The Teledyne Continental Motors O-200D is an aircooled, horizontally opposed, four cylinder, naturally aspirated, spark ignited, four stroke, direct drive engine incorporating a wet sump, updraft intake, carburetor, and down draft tuned exhaust system. The engine is designed with the capability to operate on 100LL aviation fuel, has been lightened by some 25 pounds over previous iterations, and has a maximum continuous rating of 100 hp at 2800 RPM with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The time between overhaul is 2000 hours or 12 years, whichever occurs first. Expected fuel efficiency will enable the SkyCatcher to achieve an average fuel consumption of less than six gallons per hour. The Cessna installation will drive a two-bladed fixed-pitch composite propeller.
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