Cessna Skylane SMA Diesel Conversion

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 08:41 PM ET

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The SMA diesel 182 has a modern sporty look with its rectangular and crescent "smile" air intakes. Photos By Tom Benenson

Key Takeaways:

The SMA SR-305-230 is a turbocharged diesel engine designed for aircraft like the Cessna 182, known for its ability to burn Jet-A fuel efficiently.
It offers increased safety and reliability by eliminating magnetos and spark plugs, with a recommended TBO of 2,000 hours expected to rise to 3,000.
Paired with a composite prop, the engine achieves climb rates exceeding 1,000 feet per minute and simplifies pilot operation through a single power lever that controls RPM, mixture, and manifold pressure.

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The MT composite 3-blade prop helps achieve a climb rate of over 1,000 feet per minute.

With the cowl removed, there’s no question that this is not your father’s 182. The SMA SR-305-230 diesel engine rumbles at start-up but runs smoothly with a deep-throated sound in flight.

With no magnetos or spark plugs, the SMA diesel engine promises to provide increased safety and reliability.

The 230-horsepower SMA diesel engine comes with a recommended TBO of 2,000, but with experience, the TBO is expected to be raised to 3,000 hours.

The SMA SR-305-230 is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, turbocharged, air/oil-cooled, diesel engine with a wet sump-oil system, rated at 227 bhp for both takeoff and continuous power at 2200 rpm.

**The SMA 182’s single power lever, the large T-handle on the left, is used to control RPM, mixture and manifold pressure, greatly reducing pilot workload. The smaller, striped handle is used as a mechanical backup in case of complete failu?

In cruise, the recommended Manifold Pressure at 5,000 feet varies from 54 inches at economy cruise to 63 inches at normal cruise.

As the TIT and CHT guage indicates, the SR-305 engine is turbocharged. A major advantage for the SMA engine is its efficiency combined with its ability to burn jet-A.

The Nu-Tech headrest testifies to fuel requirement and the parentage of this SMA diesel Cessna 182.

The tip-off to what’s under the hood when the cowl’s closed is the writing on either side of forward fuselage. “Jet-A,” “SMA,” and “www.nutechassociates.com.”

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