On January 12,1956, Lycoming assembled a mock-up of the new O-360 engine and in just 27 days testing began on the first version identified as an O-360-A1A. The following months would show completion of the rigorous testing required for certification and on July 2,1956, sample engines were sent to Beechcraft for proposed installation in their Beech 95 Travel Air. Piper quickly placed orders for 100 of the new 180 horsepower engines. This relationship has continued between Lycoming and their many airframe customers for some 60 years, largely built and maintained by a solid design and steady performance. The result of this effort has translated into the production of over 40,000 O-360 engines to date.
展开▼
