What is the engine model and its general characteristics in the described aircraft?

• A. 160 hp Lycoming O-320-D3G, four cylinders, direct drive, horizontally opposed, air-cooled, carburetor-equipped
• B. 180 hp Continental IO-520
• C. 100 hp Rotax 912
• D. 200 hp Lycoming IO-360

Answer: (A)

The engine described is defined by a set of features that signal a classic light general aviation powerplant: a Lycoming O-320-D3G delivering 160 horsepower, with four cylinders arranged in a horizontally opposed layout, air-cooled for simplicity and light weight, direct drive to the propeller, and carburetor fuel delivery. This combination—160 hp from a four-cylinder horizontally opposed, air-cooled, direct-drive, carbureted engine—fits the typical setup found in many small GA singles. The D3G suffix identifies the carbureted, 160‑hp variant of the O-320 family, which contrasts with fuel-injected or higher-horsepower options and with engines that have more cylinders or different drive systems. The result is a compact, smooth-running, easy-to-maintain powerplant well-suited to the airframe described, aligning with common performance and maintenance characteristics of that class of aircraft.