Cessna Cardinal 177RG Powerplant Upgrade STC

The Cessna Cardinal RG, the final design in the 177 family, was introduced to the marketplace in Model Year 1971. The aircraft featured a cantilever wing, large doors for easy entry, retractable landing gear and a Lycoming powerplant. Today, the many Cardinal RG's still flying are classics and have become very desirable ships to own.

When Lycoming first announced the launch of the IO-390-X Series to the Experimental marketplace in 2002, many Cardinal RG owners inquired about the possibility of a powerplant upgrade STC. With everyone looking for better performance for their aircraft, more horsepower / torque certainly is moving in the right direction.

Since the IO-390 was derived from the IO-360-A series, it seemed like a natural fit. Lycoming began investigating the STC market and the Cardinal 177RG in late 2006. We talked to owners, pilots and many members of the Cardinal Flyer Group. Interest was very high and the possibility of upgrading the RG from an IO-360 to an IO-390 was welcomed enthusiastically. The journey had begun.

In early 2007, at the Cardinal Fly-In in Winter Haven, FL, the Lycoming Team announced the project to develop a Lycoming IO-390 Powerplant Upgrade STC for the Cardinal RG. Again, there was enthusiastic interest with many Cardinal owners contributing in a discussion of the program and the possibilities.

At the 2008 EAA AirVenture, Lycoming will proudly display a beautiful 1975 Cardinal 177RG, powered by the soon-to-be certified IO-390-A1A6. This will be the first STC launched under the Echelon brand of Lycoming Factory STCs.

Since the aircraft is still in testing, official statistics have not been published; however, initial reports indicate significant gains in performance between the current powerplant and new IO-390-A1A6. The increase in horsepower improve the climb rate by 80 to 110 feet per minute and the cruise speed by 3 to 4 miles per hour.

Removal and installation of the powerplant is straightforward and requires no major modification. Since the IO-390-A1A6 and IO-360-A1B6 /IO-360-A1B6D have the same footprint, all major systems are the same. On airframes that were formerly powered by the IO-360-A1B6D, a slight modification of the baffles will allow the left side plug wire leads to be run.

The STC Package also includes a new governor with the correct brackets and positioning to allow easy installation. The final minor change is in the starter switch to accommodate the IO-390's Slick Start ignition.

If your Cardinal RG is approaching TBO, the IO-390 STC is a great option. Lycoming has teamed with McCauley Propeller and Cessna Aircraft to bring this product to market. The initial STC Package will include a new or rebuilt IO-390-A1A6, new McCauley governor, new propeller and / or recommendations for overhauling the current two-blade propeller. The two-blade prop was chosen for the initial package because most flying Cardinal RGs are equipped with that version. Plans are already being made for future STCs that will accommodate other configurations.

The Echelon Cardinal RG Powerplant Upgrade STC will not only improve performance. Market data indicates that either a factory rebuilt engine or a horsepower upgrade will increase the value of the airframe. Combining these two advantages together in one STC offers the Cardinal owner a significant increase in the airplane's value.

This STC will be available exclusively through Cessna's Authorized Service Centers. Known for their excellence and worldwide locations, Cessna Service Centers are ready to provide the high level of service you have come to expect for your Cessna, Lycoming and McCauley products.

Lycoming is certainly very proud of its first Echelon Factory STCs. Please stop by the Lycoming display at EAA AirVenture to see the Cardinal RG or visit us at www.lycoming.com for additional information.

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