10 April 2026

Advancing Flight Through Continental Jet-A Retrofit Engines

Continental Aerospace Technologies’ CD-155 Jet-A retrofit engine enhances efficiency, reduces fuel burn, and modernises Cessna, Piper, and Diamond aircraft with advanced diesel technology.

Jet-A diesel aircraft engine installation completed in as few as 21 days, minimizing downtime and accelerating return to service.

Eventually, even the most nostalgic airframes need modern features. When performance, efficiency, and sustainability matter most, Continental Aerospace Technologies offers a retrofit kit to bring older aircraft up to today’s flying expectations.

Developed for widely flown platforms such as the Cessna 172s, Piper PA-28s, and Diamond DA40, a CD-155 retrofit brings advanced diesel technology into aircraft pilots already know and trust. This is more than a replacement; it is a complete transformation. Each kit is delivered as a factory-prepared, pre-assembled package, with the engine already installed on its mount and all key accessories in place. The result is a transformed aircraft that combines proven reliability with modern innovation.

Jet-A diesel aircraft engine with a TBR of 2,100 flight hours or 12 years, supported by scheduled maintenance intervals for consistent performance and reliability.

Jet-A diesel aircraft engine equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) for optimized performance, efficiency, and simplified operation.

The CD-155 is a turbocharged, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder Jet-A-burning piston engine that delivers 155 horsepower. With Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and high-pressure direct fuel injection, it boosts performance and fuel economy throughout every flight. Automatic mixture and propeller controls mean pilots can focus on flying, not engine management. This leads to smoother flights, better reliability, and steady performance in all types of conditions.

Jet-A diesel aircraft engine with a dry weight of 295.4 lbs, engineered for efficient performance and reliable operation.

The CD-155 is a part of the Jet-A series that has accumulated more than 12 million flight hours since its inception.

The advantages extend well beyond the cockpit. Operating on widely available Jet-A fuel, the CD-155 noticeably reduces fuel consumption whilst improving range and endurance. Lower fuel burn directly translates into reduced operating costs, while a more efficient combustion process reduces CO2 emissions, supporting an increasingly sustainable approach to general aviation without sacrificing capability.

Each CD-155 retrofit kit comes with everything needed for a full installation: the engine, engine mount, propeller, FADEC system, wiring harnesses, avionics interfaces, extra instrumentation, and other accessories. All parts are made to work together, so you can count on reliability and avoid mixing different components.

Certified in a variety of countries, the CD-155 retrofit kit is available for aircraft, offering pilots confidence, flexibility, and long-term value no matter where they operate.