Lycoming is an American aircraft-engine manufacturer based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, known for piston engines used in general aviation. Its aviation production began with the R-680 radial engine in 1929. Lycoming Engines is an operating division of Avco within the Textron corporate group.[1][2]
Entry into aviation
The company developed aircraft engines after an earlier period making engines for other applications. Errett Lobban Cord acquired the business in 1927, and the R-680 subsequently established its aviation product line. This nine-cylinder radial first flew in a Travel Air biplane in April 1929 and powered aircraft used by civil operators and the armed services. Lycoming became part of Aviation Corporation in 1933. Its later development of opposed-cylinder engines extended the range beyond radials and established the configuration associated with much of its subsequent general-aviation production.[1]
Piston-engine families
Lycoming's engine range includes four-, six- and eight-cylinder designs. The four-cylinder 320 series is offered in 150- and 160-horsepower forms, while the 360 family spans several ratings and configurations. Larger families include the six-cylinder 540 and eight-cylinder IO-720. Different products address training, touring, aerobatic and other aircraft requirements, with choices of induction, fuel delivery and installation arrangements. The iE2 programme adds electronic engine management, while Thunderbolt engines provide factory-built configurations with selectable fuel, ignition, finish and performance options.[3][4][5]
Factory support and replacement engines
The Williamsport operation also supplies factory-rebuilt and overhauled engines. New, rebuilt and overhauled units pass through the same assembly line, with the latter two categories incorporating inspection and replacement work before testing. This makes continuing support for existing aircraft a substantial part of the company's activities alongside new-aircraft installations. Its service offering includes engine exchanges and technical support, and the iE2 support portal allows operators to share engine data with the manufacturer. The combination of production, replacement engines and technical assistance supports aircraft over service lives that can extend well beyond their original manufacture.[6][7][8]