Diesel-powered Cessna Skyhawk gets OK for sale in U.S., Europe

Textron Aviation has received U.S. and European regulatory approval for the Cessna Turbo Skyhawk JT-A.

The turbocharged single-piston engine airplane burns Jet-A fuel using a diesel-powered Continental CD-155 engine.

European Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration certification allows the Wichita-based company to begin selling the Independence-built airplane in the U.S. and Europe.

“The Turbo Skyhawk JT-A allows operators to meet changing environmental regulations around the world, providing solutions to increase the global reach of this already proven platform,” Doug May, Textron Aviation vice president of piston aircraft, said in a news release Tuesday.

The company says the diesel engine also lowers per-hour fuel burn by 25 percent.

In addition to the certifications, Textron Aviation identified improved performance measures on the Turbo Skyhawk JT-A over earlier estimates. The airplane’s range has increased 78 nautical miles to 963 nautical miles. Its takeoff distance has improved to 1,320 feet with a maximum climb rate of 767 feet per minute.

This story was originally published June 6, 2017 at 2:38 PM with the headline "Diesel-powered Cessna Skyhawk gets OK for sale in U.S., Europe."