Lake LA-4-200 & New STC with Lycoming IO-390-A1A6 Engine

NEWS:  We have just completed the installation of the all new Lycoming IO-390-A1A16 engine guaranteed to produce 210 HP.   Test flight started with MT 3 blade reversible propeller.  First flight was a delightful surprise, performance was outstanding, acceleration was spectacular; it's hard to believe 10 HP could make that much difference.  Although Lycoming only guarantee 200 HP for the IO-360 plus or minus 5%,  our experience showed most IO-360's only produce 190 or 195 HP after overhaul when dyno'd, the new engine is guaranteed to produce 210 HP -O%  +5%.

Our first test flight took place during cold weather 15 degrees F, which would have produced better performance anyway, but not giving the figures obtained, first take off recorded 1200 ft/min. climb, level at 4000 ft. a cruise speed of 132 mph indicated, with power setting of 24/24.  Since this engine is dynamically balanced the restricted rpm range is not a requirement, it was possible to drop rpm to 2300 rpm and maintain 24 inches MP for a very quiet cruise while maintaining 130 MPH indicated.

I don't know if the roller cam design could have any effect on cylinder temperatures but all cylinder EGT readings were extremely close in temperature readings.  The engine propeller combination was extremely smooth and quiet.  The first flight was flown with the MT 3 blade because this propeller combination had been previously certified on the IO-390-A1A6, subsequent flight test will be carried out with original Hartzell HC-C2YR-1BLF and a new Hartzell light weight propeller with new blade design.  The new configuration has a scimitar blade design, this will make both of these propellers eligible with the new engine.  Our intension is to have all existing propellers approved with this engine STC.

We are expecting to have STC complete by April 30, 2011.  We are applying for Canadian and USA STC's. 

Elton Townsend
President