Fastest Cruise and Best Climb...
NO EXCEPTIONS!
It must be confusing. Somehow, every manufacture's product comes out a clear-cut winner in factory sponsored comparisons. But in this comparison we're going to back up our claims with simple aeronautical reasons.
American 340's Fly Faster.
American 310 HP Cessna 340 = 210 KTS
335 HP Series VI Cessna 340 = 205 KTS
Stock 310 HP Cessna 340 = 201 KTS
Reason:
American Aviation does it with a powerful design rather than powerful engines. The intercooling design is key. American 340's have high efficiency intercoolers designed specifically for the TSIO-520 engines. Absolute minimal drag NACA inlets, like the one on a P-51 Mustang, supply high pressure air to the intercoolers, minimizing inlet air temperatures and maximizing power and efficiency.
So, it shouldn't be any surprise that American equipped 340's even with smaller more economical engines can fly faster.
Now, what do you have to give up for greater speed with the smaller more economical engines? Certainly not climb performance.
American 340's Climb Better
The American 340 out climbs all other 340's.
Reason:
Only the American 340 maintains near sea level engine inlet air temperatures as the airplane climbs to altitude. That means near sea level climb power and performance at any altitude.
Consider the American 340's takeoff performance, too. On a hot day at 5,000 feet MSL our 340 is equal to those "high powered" 340's and considerably better than the stock airplane. Our single engine ceiling is also better. What's more, at like manifold pressures, the American 340 will out perform any Series I, II, II, IV, or VI conversions.
NO EXCEPTIONS!
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