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January 19, 2026

Lycoming Engines Drive General Aviation Reliability

Imagine soaring through the skies in your beloved aircraft, with only the steady hum of the engine in your ears and an insatiable thirst for exploration in your heart. What gives you this confidence and composure? The answer often lies beneath the cowling - the Lycoming engine, the beating heart that powers general aviation aircraft.

Renowned for exceptional reliability and performance that often exceeds the recommended Time Between Overhaul (TBO), Lycoming engines have become the preferred power source for general aviation aircraft worldwide. From light sport planes to high-performance business jets, Lycoming engines power countless aircraft, delivering safe, reliable, and efficient flight experiences to aviation enthusiasts and professional pilots alike.

Innovation Flagship: The iE2 Smart Engine

The iE2 engine represents the pinnacle of Lycoming's innovation in aircraft propulsion. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and sensors, it enables intelligent performance management and optimization. The iE2 not only enhances flight safety but also reduces operational costs, offering pilots an unprecedented modern flying experience. Its key advantages include:

  • Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC): The iE2's FADEC system continuously monitors and adjusts engine parameters to maintain optimal performance. This automated system manages fuel injection, ignition timing, and other critical functions, improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and extending engine life.
  • Advanced Sensor Technology: Numerous sensors monitor temperature, pressure, vibration, and other vital metrics in real-time. This data feeds into the FADEC system for intelligent control and diagnostics, and can also be transmitted to ground stations for remote monitoring and maintenance.
  • Optimized Combustion Chamber Design: The redesigned combustion chamber enables more efficient fuel burn, improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing carbon buildup. This design also lowers noise and vibration levels, enhancing flight comfort.
High-Performance Custom Engines: Tailored to Your Ambitions

For pilots seeking ultimate performance, Lycoming offers custom-engine solutions. These powerplants are designed and built to meet specific requirements, capable of handling demanding flight conditions. Whether for aerobatics, racing, or high-altitude operations, Lycoming's high-performance custom engines deliver exceptional power and reliability.

Classic Series: The Foundation of Reliable Power

Lycoming's reputation for durability and dependability is built on its classic engine series, which have become cornerstones of general aviation.

541 Series

The turbocharged 541 series features overhead intake and underhead exhaust configurations, producing 380 horsepower. Its turbocharging maintains strong performance at high altitudes, making it ideal for high-performance aircraft.

235 Series

This four-cylinder series remains popular among homebuilders and OEMs, delivering up to 125 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. Its compact design and proven reliability make it perfect for light aircraft.

320 Series

Generating 150-160 horsepower at 2,700 RPM, these engines power numerous aircraft from manufacturers like Cessna and Piper, as well as kit builders like Van's and Glasair. The series also powered early Robinson R22 helicopters, demonstrating its versatility.

360 Series

Since 1955, Lycoming's popular four-cylinder 360 engines have delivered 145-210 horsepower to thousands of aircraft. Their robust design and widespread use have made them aviation classics.

390 Series

The four-cylinder 390 series produces 210 horsepower at 2,700 RPM. The IO-390-A, one of Lycoming's newest engines, meets kit aircraft requirements for power, payload, and speed, with helicopter certification underway.

540 Series

These powerful six-cylinder engines deliver 235-360 horsepower at up to 2,700 RPM, meeting diverse aircraft performance needs.

580 Series

The six-cylinder 580 series generates 315 horsepower at 2,700 RPM, offering excellent power-to-weight ratios and meeting modern aircraft performance demands.

IO-720 Series

As Lycoming's largest current production engine, the eight-cylinder IO-720 delivers up to 400 horsepower at 2,650 RPM, suitable for larger aircraft.

4-Horsepower Single-Cylinder

This Otto-cycle spark-ignition engine operates on heavy fuels with electronic control, suitable for small aircraft and auxiliary power units.

Lycoming Engines: Your Trusted Aviation Partner

Whether you're an experienced pilot or just beginning your aviation journey, Lycoming engines provide safe, reliable, and efficient power. Choosing Lycoming represents a commitment to excellence in quality and performance. These engines don't just power aircraft - they enable aviation dreams while ensuring safety aloft.

Key Advantages of Lycoming Engines:

  • Proven reliability with performance often exceeding recommended TBO intervals
  • Broad application across general aviation, from light sport to high-performance aircraft
  • Custom high-performance solutions for specialized requirements
  • Time-tested classic series with demonstrated durability
  • Continuous innovation, exemplified by the iE2 smart engine technology
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