N9103D is equipped with a LASAR electronic ignition system. See LASAR Flight Manual Supplement for operational details.

Benefits

• Better engine starting with three times more spark energy and higher output voltage
• Smoother transition in ignition timing from engine start to idle
• Faster rate-of-climb
• Increased spark plug life
• EGT reduced by 150°F on average
• Up to 12% Reduced Fuel Consumption
• Up to 8% Increased Horsepower

Overview

Conventional impulse coupled and retard breaker Slick and TCM/Bendix ignition systems are approved on certain piston aircraft engines. While these systems have proven to be reliable and adequate for use as the primary ignition system on these engines, it is generally recognized that standard fixed timing magneto systems do not allow the engine to develop optimum performance.

Developed and certified in the early to mid 1990s, the LASAR® electronic ignition system is arguably the first step in a aircraft piston engine revolution. This system digitally processes engine speed (rpm), manifold pressure (MP), cylinder head temperature (CHT), and system health to increase engine performance without compromising safety or reliability.

The LASAR® controller senses various engine operating parameters and, using these inputs, automatically adjusts spark energy and timing advance based upon the Engine Personality Map (EPM) programmed within the microprocessor.

Description

The FAA-PMA approved LASAR® ignition system couples Slick magneto technology with a microprocessor based electronic ignition control to deliver optimum spark energy and timing advance to improve starting, general operation, and fuel efficiency. In the default back-up mode, the LASAR® system provides redundant magneto based ignition at standard fixed timing.

There are five parts to the LASAR® system. The three main components are the computer controller and two dual mode magnetos. "Dual mode" refers to the mag's two operating modes: automatic and backup. The fourth piece of the system is a low voltage wiring harness used for communication and power distribution between the controller, magnetos, and the airframe. The fifth component is the high voltage wiring harnesses. Slick's high voltage harnesses are the only secondary harnesses currently certified with LASAR®. 

The controller is the brain of the system, and makes decisions based on manifold pressure, rpm, cylinder head temperature, ignition switch position, and monitors its own health as well as that of the airframes' power source and the magnetos.

The SYNCHROLASAR timing tool is used to time the LASAR® magnetos to factory specifications.