Conversion: Centurion 4.0 litre V8 diesels

Twin Thielert Centurion 4.0 diesel engines have been fitted to a Beech B60 Duke. The converted aircraft had its maiden flight last month.

The Centurion 4.0 is a turbocharged V8 producing 350hp and already type certificated under EASA. The conversion was carried out by the company Gomolzig for Martin Hagensieker, a noted Beech B60 Duke specialist based in Germany. The Centurion engines replace twin Lycoming IO-541- E1C4s which are no longer available. The conversion saves 20kg but the real gain is in fuel consumption – 22 gallons per hour for the diesel, against 30gph for the petrol engines, increasing range to 2000nm. Hagensieker, who runs an FBO, is now offering the conversion at €150,000 per engine for the complete installation. Performance is claimed to be better than before with a 220kt cruise @ FL220, a climb rate of 1200 ft/min, and a TBO at 2400 hours.

W: www.dukeb60.de