2-840-032 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

In 1930, Continental began development of air-cooled horizontally opposed engines for low-powered aircraft. For example, the Continental A-40 made the classic Piper Cub possible. In 1980, Continental began evaluation of the liquid-cooled concept for future general aviation aircraft, and, in 1984, the engine was chosen for the Voyager aircraft. The advanced design incorporated a lightweight, liquid-cooled cylinder, permitting combustion chamber improvements and minimizing fuel consumption by reducing cooling drag and wear characteristics, as well as providing longer life and time-between-overhaul. The design also allowed the high altitude capability necessary for the Voyager aircraft.