SMA Engines (Société de Motorisations Aéronautiques) is a French manufacturer of diesel engines for light aircraft, located in Bourges. A subsidiary of Safran, SMA engine production is currently limited to one model, the SMA SR305-230, which has received a Supplemental Type Certificate for installation in the Cessna 182Q and R.[1] The engine uses jet fuel, readily available at airports worldwide.[2]
History
SMA was founded in 1997 as a 50/50 joint venture between SOCATA and Renault Sport to develop a diesel engine for light aircraft.[3] SNECMA also entered the joint venture with a one-third interest in June 2000. The prefix of the engines changed to SR, for SNECMA-Renault. In 2005, Safran bought out the other partners to become the sole owner of SMA.