Tecnam's Continental GTSIO-520-S engine is now an available option for the P2012 Traveller and Sentinel aircraft series. The GTSIO 520-S version, specifically introduced for the Tecnam P2012 series, is available along with the Lycoming TEO-540 C1A engine.

The GTSIO-520-S is a horizontally opposed, geared, six-cylinder, fuel-injected, air cooled, turbocharged engine incorporating a wet sump and crossflow induction system. The engine features traditional controls for power management with throttles, propeller levers and mixture controls.

Both engine options are rated for 375 Hp, with the Continental coupled to a three-blade MT-Prop propeller and the Lycoming coupled to a four-blade MT-Prop propeller.

The P2012's mission accomplishment and flight safety are enhanced by the modern SPACE (Single Pilot Advanced Cockpit Environment) cockpit incorporating the latest technology. The state-of-the-art G1000 NXi avionic system and GFC700 autopilot are provided to reduce pilots' workload and fatigue. An active and connected flight deck (Bluetooth, Flight Stream, Iridium satellite phone and data) and a toolbox of modern aids (integrated weather radar, integrated storm scope, Garmin maps, and synthetic vision) increase the active flight safety and situational awareness.

The Continental GTSIO engine can be selected for both the P2012's Traveller and Sentinel configurations, along with their fully interchangeable roles (passengers combi, cargo, air ambulance, parachute jumping and special mission). The 11-seat, twin-engine, fixed gear, unpressurised Tecnam can quickly and easily be converted from a nine-passenger carrier into a special-purpose aircraft and back again.

The P2012 aircraft series was developed by the Tecnam research and development team, led by the renowned and award-winning expert, Professor Luigi Pascale, to meet the latest market needs: two+nine passenger single seat cabin accommodation; two six cylinder, turbocharged, piston engines; compliant to the latest amendment of the regulations; certified single pilot VFR/IFR; PBN and FIKI certified; no type rating issue/renewal required; no cycles limit; multi-mission; and easy to maintain.

“Adding an engine option such as the Continental 520 series, offers new opportunities to operators to tailor their P2012 fleet according to their peculiar heritage, missions and needs,” says Giovanni Pascale, Tecnam's managing director.

“The GTSIO-520-S option widens the Traveller and Sentinel engine choice, offering a traditional alternative for all those pilots and operators that are affectionate towards conventional throttles, propeller levers and mixture controls for an intuitive and established piston engine feel,” concludes Francesco Sferra, Tecnam's P2012 sales and business development manager and experimental test pilot.