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Imagine soaring through clear skies in a light aircraft, supported by a dependable and efficient engine. The Lycoming O-360 series has long been the preferred powerplant for many general aviation pilots and aircraft manufacturers. While Wikipedia may not yet feature a dedicated article on this iconic engine, its legacy and technical merits are well worth exploring.

The Lycoming O-360 series is a four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft piston engine designed and manufactured by Lycoming Engines. Introduced in the late 1950s, the series was developed to meet the growing demand for more powerful and reliable engines in the general aviation market. It quickly gained widespread acclaim, becoming one of Lycoming’s most successful engine families.

The O-360 series was engineered for simplicity, durability, and ease of maintenance. Key design elements include:

• Four-cylinder horizontally opposed layout: This configuration minimizes vibration, ensuring smoother operation.
• Air-cooled design: Heat dissipation is achieved through cylinder cooling fins and airflow during flight, eliminating the need for complex liquid cooling systems and reducing maintenance requirements.
• Carburetor or fuel injection options: Depending on the model, the O-360 can be equipped with either a carburetor or fuel injection system. The latter offers more precise fuel delivery, improving efficiency and performance.
• High-strength materials: Critical components such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons are constructed from high-grade alloy steel to ensure reliability and longevity.
• Modular design: The engine’s modular architecture simplifies repairs and component replacements, lowering operational costs.

The O-360 series includes multiple variants, each tailored for specific applications. Below are some of the most widely used models and their performance metrics:

With its proven track record and adaptability, the Lycoming O-360 series remains a cornerstone of general aviation, powering countless aircraft with reliability and performance.