Continental IO-550

{{Short description|American piston aircraft engine}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}

{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}

{{Infobox Aircraft Begin

|name= IO-550

|image= Columbia400Engine.jpg

|caption= Continental TSIO-550-C engine installation in a Cessna 400

}}{{Infobox Aircraft Engine

|type= Piston aircraft engine

|national origin= United States

|manufacturer= Teledyne Continental Motors

|first run= 1983

|produced=1983-present

|major applications= Velocity XL
Cirrus SR22
Cessna TTx
Cessna 185
Mooney M20
Bellanca Viking
Beechcraft Baron
Beechcraft Bonanza

|developed from= Continental O-520

}}

The Continental IO-550 engine is a large family of 9 liter fuel injected six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft engines that were developed for use in light aircraft by Teledyne Continental Motors. The first IO-550 was delivered in 1983 and the type remains in production.{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9885C3A741050E0B862572A4006E300C?OpenDocument&Highlight=550|title = Type Certificate Data No. E3SO Revision 10|access-date = 2008-12-28|last = Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110608192355/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/ad5e08854d63389c862572a4006e2912/$FILE/E3SO.pdf|archive-date = 8 June 2011|url-status= dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/28811040e5cd10c586257712004008cf/$FILE/E5SO.pdf|title = Type Certificate Data No. E5SO Revision 6|access-date = 21 June 2010|last = Federal Aviation Administration |date=March 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180440/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/28811040e5cd10c586257712004008cf/$FILE/E5SO.pdf|archive-date = 5 January 2018|url-status= dead}}

The IOF-550 is an Aerosance FADEC equipped version of the same basic engine, the TSIO-550 is a dual turbocharged version and the TSIOL-550 is a liquid-cooled variant.{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D3AB1F2213075EA48525670E00483A5E?OpenDocument&Highlight=tsiol-550|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. E4SO Revision 1|access-date = 2008-12-28|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = August 1997|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180434/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D3AB1F2213075EA48525670E00483A5E?OpenDocument&Highlight=tsiol-550|archive-date = 2018-01-05|url-status = dead}}

There is no O-550 engine, which would be a carburetor-equipped variant, hence the base model is the IO-550.

This engine family competes with the Lycoming IO-580 series which are also six-cylinder engines with similar power output and weight.{{cite web|url = http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D2F3A343A114ECB4862573F6004C76F4?OpenDocument&Highlight=580|title = TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. E00004NY, Revision 1|access-date = 2009-01-03|last = Federal Aviation Administration|date = August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180105180432/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/D2F3A343A114ECB4862573F6004C76F4?OpenDocument&Highlight=580|archive-date = 2018-01-05|url-status = dead}}

Design and development

The IO-550 family of engines was developed from the IO-520 series, with the stroke increased from 4.00 to 4.25 inches, increasing the displacement to 552 in³ (9.05 L). The engine family covers a power range from {{convert|280|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.

The engines were first developed in the early 1980s and first certified on a regulatory basis of FAR 33, 1 February 1965 amendment, 33-8, 2 May 1977. The first IO-550 model was certified on 13 October 1983.

Variants

;IO-550-A

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|430.72|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.

;IO-550-B

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|421.61|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.

;IO-550-C

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|433.20|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 13 October 1983.

;IO-550-D

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|437.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Certified 23 June 1988.

;IO-550-E

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|450.50|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 20 December 1989.

;IO-550-F

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|437.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-A,B & C, with a top-mounted induction system and 12-quart oil sump. Certified 23 June 1988.

;IO-550-G

:{{convert|280|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|428.97|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Certified 17 March 1989.

;IO-550-L

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|438.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Certified 23 June 1988.

;IO-550-N

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|429.97|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-G with increased power rating. Certified 16 August 1996.

;IO-550-P

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|429|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N with oil sump from the IO-550-L. Certified 1 March 2000.

;IO-550-R

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|439.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N but with the oil sump, oil suction tube and mount legs from the IO-550-B. Certified 1 March 2000.

=FADEC models=

;IOF-550-B

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|447.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-B with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-C

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|453.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-C with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-D

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|455.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-D with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-E

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|462.8|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-E with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-F

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.1|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-F with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-L

:{{convert|300|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|455.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-L with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-N

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-N with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-P

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|460.0|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-P with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

;IOF-550-R

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|470.5|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}}. Similar to the IO-550-R with an Aerosance FADEC fuel and ignition control system. Certified 4 February 2002.

=Turbocharged models=

;TSIO-550-A

:{{convert|360|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each.

;TSIO-550-B

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-A except with a 12 quart sump, sonic venturii removed and the two stage fuel pump replaced by a single stage fuel pump.

;TSIO-550-C

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each.

;TSIO-550-E

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|442|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to TSIO-550-C with the oil sump and maximum continuous power rating of the TSIO-550-B.

;TSIO-550-G

:{{convert|310|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|554|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E with smaller surface area intercoolers, different oil sump capacity and power rating.

;TSIO-550-K

:{{convert|315|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|522|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E with new oil sump and capacity, decreased maximum continuous power, increased turbo boost pressure, decreased engine speed rating and tapered cylinder barrel fins.

=Turbocharged & FADEC models=

File:TSIOF-550-D.jpg

;TSIOF-550-D

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|558|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|35.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIOF-550-J except the exhaust system and low voltage harness.

;TSIOF-550-J

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|558|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|35.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-E except for FADEC fuel injection and ignition control, turbochargers, tapered cylinder barrel fins, oil sump and capacity, maximum continuous speed and manifold pressure rating.

;TSIOF-550-K

:{{convert|315|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2500 rpm, dry weight {{convert|537.3|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} plus two turbochargers of {{convert|28.2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} each. Similar to the TSIO-550-K but with FADEC fuel injection and ignition control.

=Liquid-cooled models=

;TSIOL-550-A

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|402|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIO-520-NB but with a new cylinder design that uses liquid cooling. The coolant manifold is on top of the cylinder head, with a coolant pump fitted to the starter adapter, driven by the starter adapter shaft and the oil cooler is mounted on the airframe, not the engine. The engine has an AiResearch TA81 turbocharger.

;TSIOL-550-B

:{{convert|325|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2700 rpm, dry weight {{convert|557|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIO-520-UB but with a new cylinder design that uses liquid cooling. The coolant manifold is on top of the cylinder head, with a coolant pump fitted to the starter adapter, driven by the propeller shaft using sheaves, the oil cooler is mounted on the airframe, not the engine. A coolant tank and coolant lines are added to the installation. The engine has an AiResearch TS06 turbocharger.

;TSIOL-550-C

:{{convert|350|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} at 2600 rpm, dry weight {{convert|546|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}. Similar to the TSIOL-550-A but with the exhaust system and turbocharger bracket from the TSIOL-550-B. The engine is modified to accept the AiResearch TA81 turbocharger. Neither oil nor coolant radiators are provided with the engine.

=Geared models=

;GIO-550-A

:A special non-certified geared engine developed for the RU-38 Twin Condor covert reconnaissance aircraft, incorporating 3:2 gear reduction to 2267 rpm.{{cite web|url = http://www.alexstoll.com/AircraftOfTheMonth/9-01.html|title = Schweizer RU-38A Twin Condor |access-date = 2008-06-04|last = Stoll, Alex|date=September 2001}}{{cite web|url = http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/MSB94-4G.pdf|title = MANDATORY SERVICE BULLETIN MSB94-4G|access-date = 2009-07-14|last = TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL|date = October 2005|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091116234512/http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/MSB94-4G.pdf|archive-date = 2009-11-16|url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/engines.html|title = Designations Of U.S. Military Aero Engines|access-date = 2009-07-14|last = Parsch|first = Andreas|date=February 2008}}

Applications

File:Lancair IV-P C-GLFP 02.jpg equipped with a TSIO-550]]

;IO-550

;TSIO-550

;TSIOF-550

;TSIOL-550

;GIO-550

Specifications (IO-550-A)

{{pistonspecs

|

|ref=Type Certificate Data Sheet E3SO.

|type=6-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed aircraft piston engine

|bore=5.25 in (133.4 mm)

|stroke=4.25 in (108.0 mm)

|displacement=552 in³ (9.05 L)

|length=

|diameter=

|width=

|height=

|weight=430.72 lb dry (195.37 kg)

|valvetrain=

|supercharger=

|turbocharger=

|fuelsystem=TCM fuel injection

|fueltype= 100LL avgas

|oilsystem=

|coolingsystem=Air-cooled

|power=300 hp (224 kW) at 2,700 rpm

|specpower=0.54 hp/in³ (24.6 kW/L)

|compression=8.5:1

|fuelcon=

|specfuelcon=

|oilcon=

|power/weight=0.70 hp/lb (1.15 kW/kg)

}}

See also

{{aircontent

|see also=

|related=

|similar aircraft=

|lists=

|similar engines=

}}

References

{{reflist|30em}}