® 2019 Engine Buyer’s Guide

In search of the good stuff. By Dan Horton

22 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes The dirt road leads across the West- Continental, and Superior, which average expected to bring engine assembly skills ern desert to a gate in a chain link about $28,000…not outrageous, but not to the party. Quite a few builders will fence. There are no guards, only a single inexpensive either. All of these engines consider kit availability to be a plus, autonomous drone with a monocle eye. are top shelf boutique products for a very as they prefer to know exactly what is A freight elevator hidden in a lonesome specific application, made in infinitesi- inside their new powerplant. For others, tarpaper shack descends into a cavern so mal numbers when compared to the 97 the learning curve might be a little too secret only a few know of its existence. million cars and trucks produced world- steep, and a ready-to-run package is the Here, hidden in the darkness, is where wide in 2017. A price premium is to be better choice. they keep the good stuff. expected, and those with the means pay One would think the enormous In that room you’ll find the 100-mpg it because they work. Throw in the ubiqui- automotive production numbers could . Nobody cares about it any- tous 540 six-, and you’re looking provide a vast variety of inexpensive more, because just a few cabinets to the at the majority of the E/A-B fleet. engines for aviation. Twenty years ago it right you’ll find the 20-pound battery They also get the majority of the sure looked like a trend, but today, the capable of powering a car for a week. The ink, in both magazines and forums, Guide lists only two vendors for a sub- self-cooling beer bottle is in Area C (for so let’s spend a few moments on the $10K water-cooled four- with “Curiosities”), along with the invisible really affordable end of the market, electronic and ignition. duct tape. And just down the hall, you’ll engines priced at less than half the aver- Both offer an Asian-based inline three- find the prototype AAE…the Afford- age…$10,000 or less. cylinder four stroke. At this price point, able Airplane Engine. only one offers four-cylinder models The AAE is modular, thus horse- Frugal Flyers with 100 hp or more. power ratings from 50 to 1500 are pos- The Guide lists 34 choices offering 50 hp The key in this segment has been sible by merely adding sections. Being or more at less than $10K. Half are VW development of a reliable speed multi-fueled, it will happily consume based, not a surprise given the mechani- reduction unit (PSRU) as, without it, no-lead gas, Jet-A, or whale oil. Ignition cal layout and the worldwide availabil- the engine rpm necessary for suitable is self-sustaining. All instrument send- ity of aftermarket parts. Despite overall power output results in an unacceptable ers are pre-installed; just plug the sup- similarity, the offerings vary widely in propeller tip speed. Buyers are cautioned plied cord into the EIS of your choice. component quality and design, so buyers to research the reliability of any PSRU Best of all, its Brake Specific Cash Con- are cautioned to do their homework. For application. Good gearing is certainly sumption (BSCC) is claimed to be less example, some choices are delivered with possible (consider the Rolls-Royce than $33 per horsepower per purchase… used, reconditioned stock rods, while Merlin, or the Rotax 912, or dozens of assuming production reaches 100,000 others get new, fully machined forgings. geared radials), but it’s a design chal- units per year. We’ve seen poorly sized cam gears from lenge that has confounded more than It’s not an impossible number. After the bargain basement shelf. There are one manufacturer, and the task becomes all, since WW-II the experts have been several different variations on prop hub more difficult with fewer cylinders. telling us everyone will want an airplane attachment. Support for the hub may be Two-stroke engines have always held in their garage, if they can be built for nonexistent, or a robust bearing. a price advantage. However, here again the price of a good family car. And we Many (but not all) of the budget VW the choices have been shrinking. Rotax, would be building them too, if all those choices are kits, so the builder will be the historical leader in this segment, rich liberal whale lovers hadn’t bought the patent. That’s right…they feared a run on the world’s supply of whales if the AAE came to market, so now it sits, rusting quietly in the dark. Well, OK…it’s a fantasy. There is no cavern. However, there are some afford- able engines, and no cetaceans need be harmed to run them. If we remove a few rare diesels and turbines from the calculation, the aver- age price for all entries listed in the Kitplanes® Engine Buyer’s Guide is a little over $20,000. The highest volume units are the 100-hp 912 from Rotax at around $18,000, and the 160- to 210-hp flat fours fromL ycoming, Lycoming YIO-540 from the Thunderbolt shop.

Photos: Dan Horton KITPLANES February 2019 23 today only produces a single aviation the line has begun to blur, particularly Flat Four-Stroke Gas two-stroke. Hirth alone remains as a in the world of diesels. Japan-based design firm AC Corpo- full-line producer of 50+ hp two-strokes The marketplace includes a wide vari- ration continues to offer high-perfor- for sport aviation. There are signs of a ety of interesting small engines. Many mance updates to existing flat-motor resurgent U.S. ultralight market, and if don’t produce enough power to fly a typ- architecture. A monolithic air-cooled true, perhaps we’ll see vendors return- ical E/A-B aircraft. We don’t have space aluminum cylinder with a pressed-in ing to the arena. to list them all anyway, so here we draw liner is the signature product, but AC The bright new spot in the budget an arbitrary line at roughly 50 hp. Some also offers a fresh design, segment? It’s now possible to order an listed manufacturers also sell smaller some interesting intake manifolds, and attractive five-cylinder radial for less engines; call or check their websites for a even oil-cooled cylinders. than $10K, built in the Czech Republic complete list, or contact dealers in your AC Corporation split with its previ- by an established manufacturer. They’re part of the world. ous U.S. representative, Advanced Com- light, simple, and sound great! Prices and weights are supplied by the ponent Engineering (ACE), in 2017. vendors. Some prices are MSRP, while Until a new North American The Rules others may be a street price. Quotes to can be found, complete engines will be Before proceeding to the 2019 Engine us in euros or other currencies were con- sold manufacturer direct, with shipment Buyer’s Guide, let us first address the verted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates from an assembly facility in the U.K. rules. The Guide is limited to engines in effect at the time of writing. All prices Even with an overseas shipping cost, available now or in the near future, as are subject to change. As priced, engines the factory-direct pricing is competitive more or less complete units marketed are supplied fully assembled, unless with traditional offerings. Individual to the experimental community. We’ve marked as a “kit.” We’ve tried to deter- components for air-cooled engines are skipped engines marketed as “certified mine exactly what accessories are included available on a limited basis to qualified only,” and those deemed impractical or at a given price and weight, but in the end, engine builders. unavailable. Along the same lines, we what you see in the tables is largely man- BRP Rotax continues as the domi- can’t list every individual engine varia- ufacturer-supplied data. Trust, but verify! nant supplier of engines for Light tion a manufacturer may offer. Don’t The Engine Guide is a source of basic Sport and microlight class aircraft. The worry, if you want a particular feature, information. It is not an endorsement. long-awaited 135-hp 915 iS is now in just pick up the phone and ask. Someone Here at KITPLANES®, we have per- production. Rotax reports several have will be happy to supply it. sonal opinions like everyone else, but passed 2000 hours on test stands, and You’ll find engines logically sorted by in the Guide we make no judgments. more than a few airframe manufactur- configuration or family, then listed in You are the aircraft builder, so please, do ers are showing them on their demo alphabetical order. We’ll make no dis- your homework. models. Turbocharged, intercooled, and tinction between traditional “aircraft And now, ladies and gentlemen, in fuel injected, the 915 iS delivers 135 hp engines” and “alternative engines,” as alphabetical order…the Guide. all the way to 15,000 feet. The best selling Rotax continues to be the 100-hp carbureted 912 ULS, by about 2 to 1. The fuel injected 912 iS is in many respects a better engine, but adds about 30 pounds in all-up installed weight due to additional support systems. Don’t overlook the original 80-horse 912UL; it costs less, requires lower octane fuel, and it is clearly under-stressed. The Rotax warranty for non-certified applications is quite short, at 18 months or 200 hours for 9 series engines and 100 hours for the two-stroke 582. Be aware that the clock starts at first retail delivery, not first start, or six months after being invoiced to your dealer. Construction of a complete new U.S. manufacturing facility for Continen- tal Motors Group is now underway. The 100-hp fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS starts and runs beautifully, hot or cold. The building is going up next to the

24 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes old campus at the Mobile Aeroplex in Alabama. Continental intends to fill it with flexible machining centers several generations beyond existing equipment, so even the foundations are high tech; at press time the contractor was sinking deep columns into the subsoil for stable support. Currently Titan-brand cases, cranks, , and other parts are machined at the Continental facility in St. Egidien, Germany, but some of that may change when the new machines spin up in Mobile. The darling of the Titan line contin- ues to be the lightweight IO-340, deliv- ered in several versions for factory-built LSAs. A homebuilder may order a vari- The six-cylinder Titan IOX-540 is the only direct competitor to Lycoming’s original ety of options, including a magnesium O- and IO-540. Flat Four-Stroke Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price AC Corporation AC-379RS direct 230 hp 4-cyl 248 lbs wo/ fuel system, ignition, or $34,562 www.ac-aero.com AC-568RS direct 350 hp 6-cyl 370 lbs wo/ fuel system, ignition, or starter $53,000 AC-758RS direct 475 hp 8-cyl Special order TBD AC-335RS Gladiator direct 210 hp 4-cyl, liquid cooled 226 lbs wo/ fuel system, ignition, or starter $28,895 AC-379RS Gladiator direct 240 hp 4-cyl, liquid cooled 236 lbs wo/ fuel system, ignition, or starter $34,562 AC-568RS Centurion direct 360 hp 6-cyl, liquid cooled 354 lbs wo/ fuel system, ignition, or starter $53,000 BRP Rotax 912 UL geared 80 hp @ 5800 rpm carbureted 130 lbs w/ exhaust, internal $16,503 www.flyrotax.com 912 ULS geared 100 hp @ 5800 rpm carbureted 137 lbs w/ exhaust, internal alternator $19,701 912 iS geared 100 hp @ 5800 rpm EFI 155 lbs w/ exhaust, internal alternator $23,284 914 UL geared 115 hp @ 5800 rpm carbureted, turbo 155 lbs w/ exhaust, internal alternator $31,539 915 iS geared 135 hp @ 5800 rpm EFI, turbo, intercooled 185 lbs bare, approx 245 installed $38,667 Continental Motors OX320 direct 160-167 hp carburetor 240 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,775 www.continentalmotors.aero IOX320 direct 160-167 hp injected 240 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $28,245 OX340 direct 166-180 hp carburetor 244 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $28,455 IOX340 direct 166-180 hp injected 244 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $29,925 OX360 direct 180-185 hp carburetor 277 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $28,350 IOX360 direct 180-185 hp injected 277 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $29,820 OX370 direct 185-187 hp carburetor 278 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $29,505 IOX370 direct 185-187 hp injected 278 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $30,975 OX370 direct 195 hp carburetor, counterweighted crank 283 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $29,925 IOX370 direct 195 hp injected, counterweighted crank 283 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $30,345 OX540 direct 260 hp carburetor, counterweighted crank 401 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $45,045 IOX540 direct 260 hp injected, counterweighted crank 401 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $45,236 137 lbs w/ alternator, starter, dual ECU, D-Motor LF26 2690cc 4-cyl direct 91.8 hp @3000 rpm $17,617 www.d-motor.eu exhaust, fluids 184 lbs w/ alternator, starter, dual ECU, LF39 3993cc 6-cyl direct 125 hp @ 3000 rpm $27,012 exhaust, fluids

KITPLANES February 2019 25 engines, thus tubular mount structures are easier to source. Dave Hertner of Fisher Flying Prod- ucts has been named as D-Motor’s new North, Central, and South American master distributor. Hertner will operate D-Motor Canada, as well as an Ontario- based assembly and dyno facility, while establishing dealers on a regional basis. The first is Steve McKamey of D-Motor USA, from Fayetteville, Tennessee. Other dealers should be on board by the time this hits your mailbox. The group hopes to have an LF39-powered RV-12 demonstrator available shortly. The advantages of Belgium’s flathead D-Motor include simplicity, low parts count, narrow North Carolina’s Franklin Aero- width, and less weight. Fuel injection and electronic ignition are standard. space offers two engines, the 4A-235 sump and a lightweight accessory case storage. The warranty period is sensible; four-cylinder and the 6A-350 six-cylin- optimized for electronic ignition. Base it begins one year after delivery or at first der. The E/A-B version of the 4A comes prices include a lightweight induction start, and runs two years or until TBO, with Electroair electronic ignition and system, a complete fuel delivery system, whichever comes first. a Rotec TBI. The 6A remains available dual magneto ignition, NiC3 electro- Belgium’s D-Motor is a fascinating in the original 220-hp version, with plated cylinder assemblies, a roller lifter flathead, available in both four- and 10.5 to 1 compression. Fuel injection is valve train, a starter, and a three hour six-cylinder versions. Although we standard, but a customer may opt for a run-in on Titan’s test stand. often associate flatheads with antiques Rotec TBI. A fuel injected 6A with an The IO-370 will be available as a Titan and lawnmowers, valve-in-block is a 8.5 CR allows the use of lower octane (for the E/A-B market), or under a new reasonable layout for a low-rpm, direct- fuels at 200 hp, and offers a nice price Continental Prime brand as a certified drive . The virtues are break compared to other engines with model. TheP rime brand will also iden- simplicity, low parts count, a narrow similar power. Options again include tify Continental’s line of PMA parts for width, and less weight. Cylinders are TBI or a carburetor. Lycoming engines. TheT itan 540 six- Nikisil for corrosion resistance and very We’re sorry to report the passing cylinder, also built with all-new Prime low wear. Dual ECU electronic igni- of Jerry Olenik, owner of Green Sky PMA parts, continues to be the market’s tion and fuel injection are standard, Adventures and longtime distributor of only direct competitor to Lycoming’s and the injection does not require a the trusty HKS four-stroke twin from original O- and IO-540. fuel system tank return. The mount- Japan. Partner Chris Hatin will carry Continental is so confident about ing point dimensions are identical to on as worldwide distributor from his their nickel-carbide coating that NiC3- those found on Jabiru and ULPower base at Quicksilver Aircraft Northeast. branded cylinder barrels come with a five-year warranty against corrosion and abnormal wear. As noted, roller and camshafts are no additional charge. However, initial availability will depend on supply chain capacity. The goal is to be installing rollers in every engine by sometime in mid-2019. For now, all Titans are assembled at CMG’s Fairhope service center, just across Mobile Bay from the new plant site at the Aeroplex. A purchaser may select paint colors in any combination. Prices include a three-hour run on a test stand for break-in and preservation for The 60-hp HKS four-stroke twin weighs about the same as an installed two-stroke with the same power.

26 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes The 700E is a sweetheart: a four-stroke, four valve per cylinder opposed twin with dual CDI ignition. Oiling is dry sump, with an oil tank and both scav- enge and pressure pumps. The stated 121-pound weight includes the gearbox, exhaust system, oil tank, and oil cooler, so the whole installation weighs about the same as an installed two-stroke with the same power. A few years ago Jabiru transitioned to engines of their own design, the 4th generation 2200cc four and 3300cc six. Unlike previous engines built by CAMit Aero (now defunct), the new , cylinder barrels, and heads are cast, not Jabiru’s 4th generation engines offer numerous advantages over previous versions. machined, the crank is forged, and the The 2200cc four-cylinder shown here produces 80 hp. Flat Four-Stroke (Continued) Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price 207 lbs w/ starter, alternator, Rotec TBI, Franklin Aerospace 4A-235 4-cyl direct 125 hp @ 2800 $15,900 www.franklinengines.com Electroair EI 344 lbs w/ starter, alternator, 6A-350 direct 200 hp @ 2800 $24,000 fuel injection, ignition 344 lbs w/ starter, alternator, 6A-350 direct 220 hp @ 2800 $28,900 fuel injection, ignition HKS Co. Ltd 60 hp @ 6200 rpm (3 min) 700E Twin geared 121 lbs w/ , fuel pump, dual CDI $10,990 www.quicksilverne.com 56 @ 5800 continuous Jabiru AU Generation 4 2200 136 lbs w/ exhaust, carb, starter, direct 80 hp @ 3300 rpm $14,900 www.jabiru.net.au (4-cyl) alternator, ignition Generation 4 3300 184 lbs w/ exhaust, carb, starter, direct 120 hp @3300 rpm $18,900 (6-cyl) alternator, ignition Lycoming YO-235-EXP direct 118 hp @ 2800 rpm carburetor parallel valve 250 w/ mags,fuel system,starter $26,100 www.lycoming.com YO-320-D1A direct 160 hp @ 2700 rpm carburetor parallel valve 255 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter, CS $26,900

YIO-320-DIA direct 160 hp @ 2700 rpm injected parallel valve 270 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $28,500

YO-320-D2G direct 160 hp @ 2700 rpm carburetor parallel valve 250 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,400

YO-360-A1A direct 180 hp @ 2700 rpm carburetor parallel valve 285 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,500

YO-360-A4M direct 180 hp @ 2700 rpm carburetor parallel valve 285 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,400

YIO-360-M1B direct 180 hp @ 2700 rpm injected parallel valve 290 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $28,700

YIO-360-A1B6 direct 200 hp @ 2700 rpm injected angle valve 325 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $33,100

YIO-390-A3B6 direct 210 hp @ 2700 rpm injected angle valve 315 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $33,800

YIO-390-EXP direct 220 hp @ 2700 rpm injected angle valve 315 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter NA (10:1 CR)

YIO-540-D4A5 direct 260 hp @ 2700 rpm injected parallel valve 400 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $47,700

YIO-580-B1A direct 315 hp @ 2700 rpm injected angle valve 440 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $65,000

YIO-580-B1A direct 320 hp @ 2700 rpm injected angle valve 440 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter NA (10:1 CR)

KITPLANES February 2019 27 Flat Four-Stroke (Continued) Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price MW Fly B22D-L-100 direct 100 hp @ 3300 rpm 176 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $20,290 www.mwfly.it B25D-L-115 direct 115 hp @ 3300 rpm 176 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $22,750

B22D-R-100 direct 100 hp @ 3300 rpm 176 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $19,550

B25D-R-115 direct 115 hp @ 3300 rpm 176 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $22,010

geared B22G-L-122-A 122 hp @ 3950 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $22,620 (1.730)

geared B22G-L-135-B 135 hp @ 4550 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $23,850 (1.958)

geared B25G-L-140-A 140 hp @ 3950 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $30,000 (1.730)

geared B25G-L-155-B 155 hp @ 4550 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $32,460 (1.958)

geared B22G-R-122-A 122 hp @ 3950 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $23,240 (1.730)

geared B22G-R-135-B 135 hp @ 4550 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $24,470 (1.958)

geared B25G-R-140-A 140 hp @ 3950 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $30,620 (1.730)

geared B25G-R 155-B 155 hp @ 4550 rpm (2400 prop) 185 lbs w/ alt, starter, FADEC ECU, oil & water tanks $33,070 (1.958)

Pegasus Motor Corp. DP-1D 100ci Twin direct 57 hp @2900 rpm 110 lbs w/ Slick mags, carb, no starter $4,495 http://flypegasuspower.com Superior Air Parts XP-O-320-A1AC2 direct 160 hp carb, fixed pitch 285 - 290 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,300 www.superiorairparts.com XP-IO-320-A1AC2 direct 165 hp injected, fixed pitch 285 - 290 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,100

XP-O-360-A1AC2 direct 180 hp carb, fixed pitch 288 - 297 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,300

XP-IO-360-A1AC2 direct 185 hp injected, fixed pitch 288 - 297 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,100

XP-O-320-B1AC2 direct 160 hp carb, constant speed 285 - 290 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,600

XP-IO-320-B1AC2 direct 165 hp injected, constant speed 285 - 290 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,400

XP-O-360-B1AC2 direct 180 hp injected, constant speed 288 - 297 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $26,600

XP-IO-360-B1AC2 direct 185 hp injected, constant speed 288 - 297 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $27,400

XP-IO-382-J1AD9 direct 200 hp injected, counterweighted crank 282 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $32,500

XP-IO-400-J1AD9 direct 215 hp injected, counterweighted crank 283 lbs w/ mags, fuel system, starter $34,500

ULPower UL260i 4-cyl direct 97 hp @ 3300 rpm / 82 hp @ 2800 rpm 159 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $20,000 www.ulpower.com UL260is 4-cyl direct 107 hp @ 3300 rpm 159 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $21,000

UL350i 4-cyl direct 118 @ 3300 rpm 173 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $23,000

UL350iS 4-cyl direct 130 @ 3300 rpm 173 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $24,000

UL390i 6-cyl direct 140 hp @ 3200 rpm / 130 hp @ 2800 rpm 220 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $29,000

UL390iS 6-cyl direct 160 hp @ 3200 rpm / 140 hp @ 2800 rpm 220 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $30,000

UL520i 6-cyl direct 180 hp @ 3200 rpm / 169 hp @ 2800 rpm 238 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $31,500

UL520iS 6-cyl direct 200 hp @ 3200 rpm / 182 hp @ 2800 rpm 238 lbs w/ accessories, oil, and exhaust $32,500

28 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes aluminum cylinders have nickel/silicon carbide bores with screwed-on heads. Long case and cylinder clamp studs now extend from the top of the cylinder to the opposite crankcase. Jabiru has posted a really good 4th generation page on their website (https://jabiru.net.au/engines), and we recommend you go there for a complete list of all the changes. The new engines have been under develop- ment about five years, and meet both ASTM and JAR standards. Jabiru shoppers may note an inter- esting difference in philosophy as compared to competitors. Although a clean-sheet design, Jabiru has elected to stay with a single Bing carburetor, a mechanical fuel pump, and distributed dual ignitions requiring no external power. The only ignition wiring is a The fuel injected Lycoming IO-390 produces 210 hp at 2700 rpm. It is the standard grounding lead from each coil pack. engine for the Van’s RV-14 and a popular choice for the Glasair Sportsman. Longtime U.S. dealer Pete Krotje has retired; the new U.S. Jabiru engine rep- opened to a matched flow value previ- offer “show special” pricing twice a year, resentative is Nick Otterback of Arion ously found optimum in the Lycoming valid if engine and propeller are ordered Aircraft. It’s a great choice; the Arion dyno facility, followed by port polish- together. Van’s builders are well advised Lightning flies behind a 3300, and Otter- ing, after which the valves are installed to check the list at Sun ’n Fun, and again back is totally familiar with the brand. for the last time and leak checked. at AirVenture. Past Lycoming/Van’s Mild or wild is a buyer’s choice at Buyers can specify 10:1 compression show specials have included free shipping Lycoming…and more seem to be taking if desired, although it will restrict the and free engine preservation packaging, the wild side. Van’s Aircraft, the largest engine to 100LL fuel. Airflow Perfor- so a builder with dry storage can order distributor to the E/A-B segment, tells mance and Avstar constant flow injec- early without much worry. us custom Thunderbolt engines make tion is the standard, but the ATC crew Speaking of early delivery, Lycom- up 30 to 40% of new orders. In return will cheerfully deliver a new engine ing’s warranty terms are excellent. The for a moderate upcharge, a Thunder- ready for customer installation of elec- clock starts running when the engine bolt buyer receives an engine assembled tronic fuel injection. Available ignition is placed in service, or 24 months from in Lycoming’s Advanced Technology choices are new Slicks, a new P-MAG, or shipment by Lycoming, whichever Center, best known as the source of the shop will drill the case nose for cus- comes first. It means a builder typically Red Bull Air Race motors. The addi- tomer installation of a Light Speed CDI. has as much as 23 months to ready the tional demand means more build teams Choose from three standard paint colors airplane for first flight; he need not have been assigned to ATC. Thunder- (in solid or two-tone combinations), or rush completion just to avoid losing bolt manager Jeff Schans shared an specify custom paint colors at a small warranty. Once started, all non-certi- unanticipated effect: Lycoming is a extra charge. Chrome is available too. fied and Thunderbolt Signature models union shop, so qualified senior employ- Every Lycoming, standard or Thunder- are protected 24 months or 2000 hours, ees have first pick of plum assignments. bolt, gets 1.5 to 3.0 hours in a factory test whichever comes first. Do note that cer- Building complete customized engines cell, so there’s no need to worry about tain high-performance options shorten in two-man teams is viewed as very initial ring seal or mechanical integrity or eliminate warranty coverage, so ask desirable, and as a result, the ATC when the day arrives for a first flight. when you place your order. assembly crew probably sets some sort Lycoming’s agreement with Van’s Air- Lycoming offers a marvelous benefit of industry record for total and average craft allocates one new engine to each to owners, quietly digitizing operation, years of experience. owner of an airframe kit. The majority are service, and parts publications, and Each custom Thunderbolt combines a still stock Y-prefix (experimental only) posting the documents on the com- dynamically balanced crank with recip- models, which is perfectly sensible, with pany website for download at no charge. rocating parts matched to within half the IO-360 M1B leading the pack. Van’s Readers may also sign up for email noti- a gram. airflow rates are is also a dealer for Hartzell, Sensenich, fication of new publications. To select measured on a flow bench. All ports are and MT propellers, and they typically from this huge trove of information,

KITPLANES February 2019 29 simply visit www.lycoming.com/contact/ knowledge-base/publications. MW Fly Aero Power is offering a total of six models intended for fixed- wing flight, in two displacements, with direct drive or one of two reduction ratios. The ratios allow increased rpm for more horsepower, while swinging larger diameter propellers. The engines are technically interesting: water cooled, fuel injected, , dual FADEC with data export, and automatic com- pression release for low rpm vibration control. It’s one of the few that can accommodate a hydraulic constant- speed prop, and can be ordered with left Water-cooled MW Fly engines have dual FADEC and fuel injection. or right rotation. It is hoped that the Pegasus DP-1 kit Most builders will use 4300-series Slick originals they were designed to replace. motor will finally be available at Sun ’n mags, which are easily modified for XP engine buyers may select flat tappets Fun. Developer Pete Plumb has about two-cyl operation. The preferred carb or roller tappets, then choose a carb, or 50 hours of flight time now, and at press is a Zenith/Bendix 13859 intended for pick between Precision or Airflow Per- time reported receiving the first 30 pro- a Harley. The test aircraft is swinging a formance fuel injection. Superior’s own duction . The Pegasus can 64x32 Catto and cruising at 2650. optimized updraft sump is standard, be thought of as a twin-cylinder O-200 Competition is good; the third source but with FI most buyers select the popu- Continental, and in fact the builder will for traditional E/A-B power is Supe- lar horizontal “cold air” manifold. XP purchase quite a few Continental or rior Air Parts. Their strategy is tightly engines (the exception being the XP-400) Superior parts to go with the kit. Plumb focused: concentrate on the core PMA are approved for 91UL auto fuel. supplies a new two-hole case, a balanced parts business, while selling a limited Superior alone offers attractively crank optimized for a twin, connecting lineup of high-value engines cen- priced engine kits to selected indepen- rods with new and pins, and an tered on the largest market segments. dent shops. Superior buyers may also accessory case with a built-in side-draft Superior’s Lycoming-pattern XP place an order with the factory, with intake manifold. The builder will source engines are offered from 160 to 215 hp. the option of visiting to watch their cylinders, rings, bearings, hydraulic lift- They’re built largely from certified PMA engine being assembled, or even build- ers, gaskets, ignition, a carb, and a prop. components, marketed as better than the ing it themselves under the direction of Inline and V Four-Stroke Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price Aero Momentum AM10 geared 75 hp @ 6000 rpm–upright 139 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $7,495 www.aeromomentum.com AM13u geared 100 hp @ 5800 rpm–upright 170 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $8,495 AM13h geared 100 hp @ 5800 rpm–low profile 170 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $10,495 AM13hp geared 126 hp @ 6500 rpm–low profile 174 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $14,995 AM15u geared 117 hp @ 5800 rpm–upright 185 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $9,995 AM15h geared 117 hp @ 5800 rpm–low profile 185 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $10,995 AM15hp geared 147 hp @ 6500 rpm–low profile 189 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU $15,995 AM20T geared 260 hp @ 6000 rpm–low profile 310 lbs w/ PSRU, starter,alternator, ECU, turbo $18,995 Adept Airmotive 306 lbs w/ radiator, alt, EFI, starter, 260N V-6 geared 260 hp @ 5500 rpm normally aspirated $60,000 http://flyadept.co.za dry sump system 306 lbs w/ radiator, alt, EFI, starter, 280N V-6 geared 280 hp @ 5500 rpm normally aspirated $65,000 dry sump system 306 lbs w/ radiator, alt, EFI, starter, 300N V-6 geared 300 hp @ 5500 rpm normally aspirated $75,000 dry sump system

30 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes includes comprehensive wiring and plumbing guidance for builders. Kaolin Aviation’s Ray Lawrence, based in Sandersville Georgia, has been lead- ing an effort to create firewall-forward mounting kits for a wide variety of air- craft. So far, he has the Van’s RV(s) 6-7-9 and 12 covered, as well as the Panther, the RANS S-20 and S-21, and the Sonex. Inline and V Four-Stroke By now, surely everyone has seen the signature bright yellow and blue Aero- Momentum engines. The popular units have been 1300 and 1500cc Suzuki- ULPower’s direct-drive UL520iS delivers up to 200 hp at 3300 rpm or 185 hp at 2800 rpm. based fours, but the line has expanded It features dual electronic ignition and electronic multipoint fuel injection. at both ends, adding a 1000cc triple and a turbocharged 2.0L rated at 210 a Superior technician. Plan on some lead (there is no engine driven pump) and hp. The 1.3L, 1.5L, and 2.0L engines time for an XP-382 or XP-400, as the dual alternator output. An inverted are available in both upright and low- 4.625-inch stroke crankshaft installed oil system is available for all models. profile versions for cowl clearance. To in both has been in short supply. War- The hardware is beautiful, and the six- date, engineer Mark Kettering has ranty is 24 months or 1000 hours, with cylinder in particular feels and sounds bought individual new components in up to 12 months between the date of great in the air. Asia, then built the engines at his facil- delivery and first flight. As should be expected, a ULPower ity in Florida. More recently, he has been Belgium’s ULPower offers high-tech installation is heavily dependent on elec- able to secure sources for complete new four- and six-cylinder models with mul- trical power. The six-cylinder requires 21 long blocks, although he still dismantles tiple horsepower ratings. All are stan- amps to run, with a generating capacity them for inspection and minor mods. dard with electronic, multi-point fuel of 50 amps. There are also specific fuel AeroMomentum engines are stan- injection, as well as mapped advance system requirements. If you’re curious, dard with electronic injection and igni- electronic ignition. System operation is the factory publishes really good instal- tion driven by a MicroSquirt controller. largely “turn the key and go,” much like lation, maintenance, and operating Adopting an ECU from the open source a car. Dual ECUs are an option, as are manuals, available for free download at “Squirt” family means owners never dual high-pressure electric fuel pumps the Belgian website. The install manual need to worry about technical support

Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price Adept Airmotive (cont.) 340 lbs w/ radiator, alt, EFI, starter, 320T V-6 geared 320 hp @ 5500 rpm turbocharged $85,000 http://flyadept.co.za dry sump system 340 lbs w/ radiator, alt, EFI, starter, 360T V-6 geared 360 hp @ 5500 rpm turbocharged $95,000 dry sump system AutoPSRU’s LS-3 Chevrolet geared 360 hp @ 4500 (centrifugal clutch) 1.666:1 ratio 580 lbs installed, typical, complete $39,200 FF http://autopsrus.com 2.5L Subaru geared 150 hp @ 5000 (centrifugal clutch) 1.859:1 ratio 355 lbs installed, typical, complete $27,400 FF 3.0L Subaru geared 230 hp @ 5000 (centrifugal clutch) 1.859:1 ratio 375 lbs installed, typical, complete $27,600 FF

Firewall Forward Aero 247 lbs w/ PSRU, injection, no starter Engines (CAM engines) CAM125 Honda 100 mm belt 130 hp @ 5500 rpm $18,645 www.firewall.ca or alternator Robinson V-8 Power LS-3 Chevrolet $39,500 geared 450 hp @ 5000 rpm 1.98:1 ratio 525 lbs installed, typical, ready to run http://v8seabee.com (LS-376/480) base Viking Aircraft Engines V-90 Mitsubishi geared 90 hp @ 5800 rpm 160 lbs w/ exhaust, alternator $9,995 www.vikingaircraftengines. com V-130 Honda Fit geared 130 hp @ 5400 rpm 215 lbs w/ exhaust, alternator $10,995 V-170 Honda Civic geared 170 hp @ 5400 rpm 260 lbs w/ exhaust, alternator $16,995

KITPLANES February 2019 31 Subarus, as well as a pair of Mazda rota- ries. The company has moved to new facilities south of Fort Worth, Texas, in order to gain space. Firewall Forward Aero Engines continues to offer the CAM100 Honda Civic package, as it has for more than 20 years. The 2.4:1 PSRU uses a 100-mm cog belt on well-supported sprockets. Dual electronic ignition is standard. Fueling is via downdraft carb. Firewall Forward also offers the CAMDRIVE 500 PSRU for V-8s, with three helical gears to transmit power, inside a fully machined billet case. The hydraulic prop governor is on a separate mount plate and is driven with a cog belt. Internal oiling is via pressure pump and spray nozzles. AeroMomentum 1.3L, 1.5L, and 2.0L engines are available in both upright and low-profile Seabee specialist Robinson V8 Power versions for cowl clearance. A low-profile engine is shown here. offers Chevy LS3-based packages (the information. The units are fully pro- piston speeds low; at peak torque (3800 LS376 480-hp version) with their own grammable, without the undesirable rpm), the 320T has the same mean and drive system, which is also available software additions that often cripple max piston speed (1750 fpm) as a 540 separately. The proven power train is factory ECU use. Settings are developed Lycoming at 2400 rpm. The gearing very popular within the amphib com- on a small dynamometer, in-house. puts max prop rpm at 2700, again iden- munity, but it works in terrestrial air- Kettering designed and tested his tical to traditional power. craft too, and can be optioned with own PSRU, incorporating a German- AutoPSRU’s is best known for a the same single-lever FADEC control made Guibo torsional coupler. The signature feature, a centrifugal clutch of prop pitch…which includes the sea- geared drives are tough; in addition to which decouples the engine from the plane reverse, just in case you have an aircraft units, there are well over 100 of spur gear reduction box at idle. Owner itch to back into a parking space. Rob- them being flogged in working airboats. Stuart Davis has upgraded the clutch, inson also offers software and hard- All deliveries come complete with an the cases, and other items. Formerly the ware to feed GM ECU data directly to exhaust system, an engine-mounted business centered on the LS3 Chevy a Garmin or MGL EFIS. Last but not radiator, and an ND-style alterna- V-8, but now Davis has expanded the least, they can altitude-normalize the tor. Prices are excellent, and that also lineup to include both 2.5 and 3.0 liter LS3 with a . includes component sales. Want to roll your own? Visit the AeroMomentum website, and select from over 120 differ- ent items: exhaust systems, gearboxes, even whole long blocks. At press time, South Africa’s Adept Airmotive had not yet delivered an engine to a North American customer. However, the company had a display motor on an incomplete Evolution at AirVenture 2018, which drew crowds all day, every day. All Adept models are dry sump, 120 degree DOHC V-6s with an integral spur gear speed reduction system. The higher horsepower versions are turbo- charged. The layout is large /short stroke (98x70mm) to accommodate four valves per cylinder while keeping Viking Aircraft Engines’ 130-hp 1.5-liter four is derived from the Honda Fit.

32 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes Viking Aircraft Engines has intro- duced a new 90-hp three-cylinder model based on a 1.2L Mitsubishi. The popular 130-hp four is derived from the Honda Fit, while the 1.5L turbocharged four is from the Civic. The Mitsubishi is port injected, while the Honda mod- els feature gasoline direct injection. All use Viking’s own geared reduction unit, complete with torsional soft element. Viking’s Jan Eggenfellner says they have sold about 450 units, with 200 or so flying. Engine orders are shipped with zero lead time, and complete fire- wall-forward packages are available. Radial and Rotary (Traditional) The Gnome Monosoupape rotary is probably the most interesting engine in the Guide. Best known for powering a Classic Aero Machining’s Gnome Monosoupape is an authentic replica of the nine-cylinder that powered many WW-I aircraft. The engine produces 100 hp. wide variety of Allied WW-I aircraft, a version was also built in Germany by A traditional rotary fixes the crank- conventional sense. Instead a needle valve Oberursel as the U.I. Now it’s been re- shaft to the airframe, then bolts the prop (aka a “tampier valve,” also available from created by Classic Aero Machining to the crankcase. The entire engine whirls CAM) controls fuel flow, with limited of New Zealand, which ran one on a around, cylinders and all. Oiling is total effect. A very rich mixture is delivered to stand at Oshkosh every day much to the loss, flinging about two gallons of castor the crankcase via the hollow crank, then delight of the crowd. oil per hour. There is no in the passed to each cylinder via transfer ports, Radial and Rotary (Traditional) Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price

Classic Aero Gnome rotary 105 hp @ 1125 rpm 260 lbs with oil pump, air pump, ignition $60,000 Machining Service Monosoupape www.cams.net.nz

Monocoupe Aeroplane $40,000 Corporation Warner 185 direct 185 hp @ 2175 rpm (200 @ 2475 for 5 min) 304 lbs w/ starter, alternator, MFI, ignition www.monocoupe.com Intro Motorstar NA M14P geared 360 hp @ 2900 515 lbs w/ air or electric start, B&C alternator $52,000 www.motorstarna.com $55,000 M14PF geared 400 hp @ 2900 515 lbs w/ air or electric start, B&C alternator (28K-32K reman) Rotec Aerosport Pty Ltd 224 w/ starter, alternator, carb, ignition, R-2800 geared 110 hp @ 3600 rpm $22,500 www.RotecAerosport.com stub exhaust 275 w/ starter, alternator, carb, ignition, R-3600 geared 150 hp @ 3600 rpm $27,500 stub exhaust Verner Motor Scarlett Radial 3V, direct 42 hp @ 2500 rpm 86 lbs w/ starter, alternator, carb, ignition $7,750 www.vernermotor.com 100ci Scarlett Radial 5V, direct 60 hp @2300 rpm 119 lbs w/ starter, alternator, carb, ignition $9,960 166ci Scarlett Radial 5S, direct 83 hp @ 2200 rpm 152 lbs w/ starter, alternator, EFI, ignition $15,700 207ci Scarlett Radial 7U, direct 124 hp @ 2300 rpm 183 lbs w/ starter, alternator, EFI, ignition $20,600 290ci Scarlett Radial 9S, direct 158 hp @ 2400 rpm 238 lbs w/ starter, alternator, EFI, ignition $27,500 372ci

KITPLANES February 2019 33 where it mixes with more air to form an ignitable mixture. The single valve (“monosoupape”) in each cylinder head is both intake and exhaust. Classic Aero specializes in re-creating almost anything made of metal, usually better than the original. Bored with the same old homebuilts? Want to drench yourself in castor oil and romance? Call the like-minded folks at Kip Aero in Dallas (www.kipaero.com) to place your order for a brand-new Sopwith kit… Pup, Triplane, 11/2 Strutter, or Camel, your choice. Don’t forget to order a scarf too. You’ll need it to wipe the cas- tor oil from your goggles. Suddenly radials are popping up all The nine-cylinder Vedeneyev M14 radial typically produces about 360 hp, but higher- over. The latest effort is from Mono- output versions are also available. coupe Aeroplane Corporation, which intends to put the Warner 185 back on Why the Warner? It fits a nice power/ the engine isn’t popular, but rather, mul- the market. It’s a serious effort; they weight niche and it’s very attractive, but tiple sources for good used and remanu- bought all the available NOS (new old mostly it’s the right engine for the Mono- factured M14s make new production stock) parts and have since digitized coupe 110 Special, the company’s pri- seem like an extravagance. Motorstar every machined part for CNC produc- mary product. KITPLANES® visited the sells remans too, of course. Jill Gemetz- tion. The test mule is running with a Monocoupe shop last spring, and you bet ke’s M-14P Inc. (Kingman, Arizona) is Holly carb, but the production plan we’ll be begging a ride in due course. also popular, and Barrett Performance includes constant flow mechanical fuel Apparently George Coy’s Motorstar Engines (Tulsa, Oklahoma) builds blue- injection. The NOS stock included 350 NA remains the only place to go for a printed high-output versions with U.S. original magnetos, which should keep new M14, available in limited numbers made pistons, electronic ignition, and everyone in sparks for a while. from Romanian production. It’s not that Airflow Performance fuel injection. Australia’s Rotec Aerosport remains the leading radial engine supplier to the E/A-B market. The seven-cylinder R2800 produces 110 hp at 2450 and typically swings a 76-inch fixed-pitch propeller via a 3:2 ratio planetary gearbox. The nine- cylinder R3600 produces 150 hp, and swings a prop as large as 90 inches. A Bing carb is standard, but Rotec’s own TBI (throttle body injection) allows inverted operation, when teamed with an appro- priate oil tank and fuel pickup. Radials are different, so if you’re thinking about one, visit the official website and download a copy of Rotec’s comprehensive installation and opera- tions manual. Rotec sales are again manufacturer direct, so if you like what you see, do the time zone math and call Down Under to place your order. Last, radials from Verner Motor are beginning to show up on flying projects in both North America and Europe. The nine-cylinder Rotec R3600 produces 150 hp at 3600 rpm. It can swing a prop up to The selection includes a 42-hp three- 90 inches in diameter via a 3:2 ratio planetary gearbox. cyl at only 28 inches diameter, two

34 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes likewise share components. All have coil- on-plug electronic ignition systems. Verner has established a dealer net- work and is looking for more. You’ll find the current list at www.vernermotor.com/ dealers.html. Rotary (Wankel) Dave Atkins at American Rotary Engine tells us they continue to make progress on their own new rotary, built with exotic materials where necessary, and incorporating Mazda parts where Mazda works well. In the meantime, standard engines are no problem. ARE’s sister company, Atkins Rotary, owns what is claimed to be the world’s largest The Verner Scarlett 5Si produces 83 hp at 2300 rpm. Maximum continuous power is 78 hp at 1900 rpm. The five-cylinder direct-drive radial weighs 152 pounds. storehouse of Mazda rotary parts, and now they machine new parts in house. entirely different five-cylinder models simplicity and larger displacement; the Aviation engines are built to order and at 60 and 83 hp, and a 124-hp seven-cyl- propshaft is not geared, and there are no equipped with the well regarded Power- inder at about 32 inches. The latest is a . Designs are modular. The sport PSRU. 372-cubic-inch nine-cyl rated at 158 hp, three and the smaller five share the same As mentioned earlier, AutoPSRU’s with claimed weight of only 238 pounds. bore, stroke, and cylinder assemblies. The has added two Mazda rotary packages to The keys to light weight appear to be large five, the seven-cyl, and the nine-cyl its lineup, both 13B-based, one normally Rotary (Wankel) Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price American Rotary 320 lbs wet w/ alternator, starter, Engine 2 rotor 13B geared 180 hp @ 6000 rpm $20,000 www.americanrotaryengine. ECU, EFI and EI com 180 hp @ 7600 (centrifugal clutch) $28,400 AutoPSRU’s Mazda 13B geared 385 lbs installed, typical, complete http://autopsrus.com 2.778:1 ratio FF Mazda 13B Turbo 200 hp @ 7600 (centrifugal clutch) $36,900 geared 410 lbs installed, typical, complete Normalized 2.778:1 ratio FF Compression Ignition (Diesel and Jet A) Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price AC Corporation AC E-1000J/G geared 1600 hp liquid cooled JET A 679 lbs w/ starter, ECU and alternators $260,000 www.ac-aero.com AC E-660J/G geared 800 hp liquid cooled JET A 499 lbs w/ starter, ECU and alternators $150,000 AC E-330J/G geared 350 hp liquid cooled JET A 286 lbs w/ starter, ECU and alternators $58,000 AC FL-2000 geared 150-230 hp liquid cooled JET A 154 lbs w/ starter, ECU and alternators $39,000 Continental Motors Kit www.continentalmotors.aero CD-135 geared 135 hp @ 3890 rpm 295.4 lbs with accessories, dual FADEC program only Kit CD-155 geared 155 hp @ 3890 rpm 295.4 lbs with accessories, dual FADEC program only Beta CD-230 direct 235 hp @ 2200 rpm 450 lbs with accessories Program

KITPLANES February 2019 35 controlled electric pump (sourced from a Prius) continues circulating coolant even after engine shutdown. The goal is to eliminate oil coking in the hot turbo- charger’s center bearing. Bush King Performance offers an unusual “all-in-one” package at a very good price. The 2.1L is available in two models, standard and a turbo- normalized version, which maintains sea-level rated power as the aircraft climbs to altitude. Like the name sug- gests, the focus is on STOL perfor- mance, so a redrive unit is standard in order to swing a large prop diameter. Bush King engines are standard with To eliminate oil coking in the hot ’s center bearing, the AeroVee turbo uses a thermostatically controlled electric pump to circulate coolant even after engine shutdown. electronic fuel injection, and shop- pers should note that prices include a aspirated, and one turbocharged. They’re Volkswagen matched propeller. The current favor- coupled to the AutoPSRU 200z gearbox Aero Conversions is the engine shop ite is a P-Prop (www.p-propeller.co.za) with their signature centrifugal clutch. side of Sonex Aircraft. They offer two from South Africa, built with a euca- The price in the listing is a complete bolt- versions of their 2180cc AeroVee, NA lyptus saligna wood core and a glass/ on package for the Van’s RV-6, RV-7, and or turbocharged. The AeroVee is a kit carbon sheath. All packages are deliv- RV-9, and includes a cowl mod kit. The engine, requiring owner assembly. ered complete and ready to run. Most prop and prop governor are not included. Dual ignition is standard. Although buyers opt for the normally aspirated most components are off-the-shelf version, with the sales ratio running Compression Ignition aftermarket VW, AeroConversion- about 10:1. At press time, Bush King (Diesel and Jet A) sourced parts are well finished billet reports 27 flying and quite a few more Unfortunately, diesels are not yet truly aluminum, anodized red. delivered to builders. available to homebuilders, but there is The latest development is a post- Another long-term source for flying hope. It is possible to buy a Continen- flight liquid cooling system for the VWs is Great Plains Aviation Supply. tal CD-155 in a Glastar Sportsman, if turbocharger. It is activated after land- GPAS is all about choice. In addition to installation is supervised at the Glastar ing, during taxi. The thermostatically “conventional” VWs driving the prop Aviation facility. Atlanta’s Scott Flan- dermeyer continues to fly his RV-10 with a prototype CD-230 air-cooled four (see “Jet A for The Rest of Us,” May 2018). Eventually the aircraft will receive an upgrade to the new 265-hp certified version. Hartzell recently conducted a vibration survey and has approved a blade for the CD-265; during test, the meter showed 272 hp at 2600 rpm. There are a few new engines to watch, the E-1000 V-12, E-660, E-330, and FL-2000 V-4s, all from Andrew Higgs at AC Corporation. Higgs recently delivered a V-12 to a U.S. customer who displayed it at the Reno Air Races. The design is modular, with an unusual stepped piston internal arrangement; the E-660 and E-330 V-4s share the same components. The little FL-2000 is slightly smaller than a Rotax 912 and is Based on the classic VW Type 1 but optimized for aircraft use, this Motorav engine makes an claimed to produce as much as 230 hp. honest 100 hp at 2900 rpm.

36 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes with a well-supported hub at the acces- Engines. The Casler theme issimplic - Electric start, an alternator, and a sec- sory end of the crank, they also offer ity, much like the early Beetle. The typi- ondary electronic ignition are options. VWs with prop hubs at the flywheel end, cal Hummel is magneto fired and hand Everything is delivered fully assembled, and reduction drives. All GPAS engines propped, with no starter or alternator. after a test run. are kits; in return for some careful work, The result is an inexpensive, very light Next up we have Motorav of Bra- a builder saves money and learns a lot VW suited to simple airplanes. Need zil. Imagine a world-class mining and about the engine he/she will fly. something even lighter? Although not foundry company (Rima Industrail The People’s Engine Guy in this group listed here, Casler also builds half VWs, SA) buying and operating VW’s own is probably Scott Casler of Hummel twin-cylinder engines from 28 to 45 hp. die casting facility, then creating an Volkswagen Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price AeroConversions AeroVee 2.1 direct 80 hp @ 3400 rpm 160 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, ignition $7,495 kit (Sonex) $10,995 www.AeroConversions.com AeroVee 2.1 Turbo direct 100 hp @ 3400 rpm 185 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, ignition kit Bush King $13,200 2.1L EFI belt 80 hp @ 4280 rpm, 70 @ 3800 continuous 184 lbs w/ alternator, starter, EFI, ECU, oil cooler Performance w/ prop www.bushkingperformance. com 2.1L EFI (turbo $15,185 belt 80 hp @ 4280 rpm, 70 @ 3800 continuous 188 lbs w/ alternator, starter, EFI, ECU, oil cooler normalized) w/ prop Great Plains Aircraft 1835cc front drive direct 65 hp @ 3600 rpm, 60 @ 3400 continuous 163 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $6,239 kit Supply 1835cc flywheel $5,898 www.greatplainsas.com direct 65 hp @ 3600 rpm, 60 @ 3400 continuous 156.5 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, distributor drive kit 1835cc reduction belt 85 hp @ 4200 rpm, 65 @ 3400 continuous 176.8 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $6,766 kit 1915cc front drive direct 69 hp @ 3600 rpm, 65 @ 3400 continuous 163.2 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $6,239 kit 1915cc flywheel $5,898 direct 69 hp @ 3600 rpm, 65 @ 3400 continuous 156.7 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, distributor drive kit 1915cc reduction belt 85 hp @ 4200 rpm, 65 @ 3400 continuous 177 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $6,766 kit 2180cc front drive direct 76 hp @ 3600 rpm, 70 @ 3400 continuous 164.5 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $7,070 kit 2180cc flywheel direct 76 hp @ 3600 rpm, 70 @ 3400 continuous 158 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, distributor $6,228 kit drive 2180cc reduction belt 103 hp @ 4200 rpm, 70 @ 3400 continuous 180 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $7,205 kit 2276cc front drive direct 80 hp @ 3600 rpm, 76 @ 3400 continuous 165 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $7,070 kit 2276cc flywheel direct 80 hp @ 3600 rpm, 76 @ 3400 continuous 158.5 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, distributor $6,228 kit drive 2276cc reduction belt 105 hp @ 4200 rpm, 72 @ 3400 continuous 180.5 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, Slick 4220 $7,205 kit Hummel Engines 1600cc direct 50 hp @ 3600 rpm 140 lbs w/ carb, Slick mag, wo/ starter or alt $4,150 www.hummelengines.com 1835cc direct 60 hp @ 3600 rpm 145 lbs w/ carb, Slick mag, wo/ starter or alt $4,350 1915cc direct 65 hp @ 3600 rpm 145 lbs w/ carb, Slick mag, wo/ starter or alt $4,375 2180cc direct 76 hp @ 3600 rpm 147 lbs w/ carb, Slick mag, wo/ starter or alt $5,500 2400cc direct 85 hp @ 3600 rpm 147 lbs w/ carb, Slick mag, wo/ starter or alt $5,800 Motorav Aircraft Engines Series 100HP direct 100 hp @ 2900 rpm 185 lbs w/ EFI, electronic ignition, oil cooler $12,900 www.motorav.com Revmaster Aviation LLC R-2300D direct 85 hp @ 3200 rpm 170 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, dual CDI $9,400 http://RevmasterAviation. com R-2300DT Turbo direct 102 hp @ 3200 rpm, to 12,000 feet 190 lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, dual CDI $11,850 $11,600 R-2300 with Redrive belt 90 hp @ 3650 rpm TBD lbs w/ alternator, starter, carb, dual CDI (est)

KITPLANES February 2019 37 unit for the R-2300. Horvath says they are satisfied with testing, and at press time the only remaining step is to exchange the billet development parts for lighter castings. Jets and Turboprops The PBS TJ100 turbojet is familiar to most EAA’ers as the little kerosene torch powering the SubSonex personal jet. The SubSonex kit program includes installation and operating knowledge, and links to the necessary type rating. It has to be the most direct path to “jet pilot” ever created. Sales other than with a Sonex kit The PBS TJ100 turbojet is 24.6 inches long, 10.7 inches in diameter, and weighs a mere 43 pounds. Maximum thrust is 258.53 pounds for up to 5 minutes. appear to be factory direct; the U.S. phone number rings in the Czech Repub- engineering group to design an all-new than anyone on Planet Earth. Horvath lic. Turboprop (TP100) and turboshaft aircraft engine. Hire a former Conti- founded Revmaster in 1959 to rebuild (TS100) models are also available. nental chief engineer to help, one VWs for the auto market. Around At press time, Turbine Solutions whose past experience included the 1965 he called on Maloof, a talented Group has ended their dealer rela- water-cooled round-the-world Voyager aeronautical engineer and (at the time) tionship, although TSG is continuing powerplant. Base the design on a classic a manufacturer of small VW-powered with TP100 installations in a pair of Type 1, but optimize everything for air- hovercraft. By 1969 they were partners. Lancair ES airframes. They have also craft. That’s the Motorav Serie (“Series”) The R-2300 is a purpose-built engine successfully installed the TP100 in an 100 hp, which as its name implies, for the aviation side of Revmaster, avail- RV-10 and a Velocity, and can provide makes an honest 100 hp. Displacement able NA and turbo. Key features are builder assistance. is 175 cubic inches, or 2868cc, easily the Revmaster’s 049 big-fin heads, their largest in this class. The cylinder heads own forged and nitrided crank, fully- Corvair are down exhaust, with dual plugs and machined forged connecting rods, a Azalea Aviation builds attractive Cor- individual cast-magnesium valve covers. full-flow filter, CDI ignition with two vairs to order at the Cook County Air- The crankshaft is a one-piece machined plugs per cylinder, and dual alterna- port, way down in south Georgia. Bill and nitrided forging with an integral tors to keep them firing. Maloof’s and Kyoung Clapp hold monthly BBQs prop hub. The rods are forged, then latest engineering project is a redrive and regular workshops for engine and fully machined. Electronic ignition is standard, as is single-point fuel injec- tion. Sump capacity is expanded to four quarts, with a choice of engine mounted or remote oil filter. So much is purpose built that beyond layout and family resemblance, there is little reason to call it a VW. We’re told the only standard VW parts are the hydraulic lifters…and they’re not from a Type 1. Right now, North American sales are handled by the Polymet Alloys office in Birmingham, Alabama, no surprise given Motorav’s Rima parent. All other sales are factory direct from Brazil with 90-day delivery. Joe Horvath and Ralph Maloof of Revmaster Aviation probably know Corvair engines from Fly Corvair and Sport Performance Aviation are available as a complete more about tough air-cooled VWs “engine in a box” kit, or partially or fully assembled.

38 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes airframe assembly; we dropped in one more, or taught more about Corvair Two Stroke weekend to find the Azalea shop full conversions than Wynne. You’ll find Germany’s Hirth continues to offer a of builders having fun. Both 100- and him teamed up with Dan and Rachel full line of two-strokes. They’re distrib- 125-hp Corvairs are available, as well as Weseman at Sport Performance Avia- uted in North America by Recreational a new turbo-normalized version flown tion, in a collaboration between long- Power Engineering of Tiffin, Ohio. The in the company’s Saberwing demon- time friends. All customer orders are Guide lists seven models suitable for strator. Azalea can supply firewall-for- placed with SPA. typical homebuilts, from 50 to 110 hp. ward kits for their Saberwing design, Listed prices are for a complete Buyers should take a close look at the as well as Zenith and Sonex airframes; “engine in a box” kit. An additional hp and rpm tables, as most models are call for details. $2000 delivers a fully assembled and available in two versions; one is ported Ask about flying GM’s iconic flat test run package. The 3300cc kit engine to move maximum torque to a lower six, and sooner or later someone will is delivered as a short block, with the rpm than the other. Although doing so mention William Wynne of Fly Cor- bottom end buttoned up, so full assem- reduces maximum power, it increases vair. Nobody has written more, spoken bly only adds $1400. cruise fuel efficiency and reduces noise. Jets and Turboprops

Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price PBS Velká Bíteš Not www.pbs.cz/en/our- TJ 100 turbojet NA Thrust - 247 lbf, 173 continuous 43 lbs w/ accessories business/aerospace/ provided aircraftgines Corvair Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price

Azalea Aviation Spyder 100 direct 100 hp 210-215 lbs wet with alternator $10,500 www.azaleaaviation.com Spyder 125 direct 120 hp 210-215 lbs wet with alternator $12,900

Sport Performance 2775cc (169ci) 6-cyl direct 105 hp @ 3150 rpm 225 lbs w/ starter, ignition, and alternator $12,495 kit Aviation LLC www.FlywithSPA.com 3000cc (183ci) 6-cyl direct 115 hp @ 3300 rpm 225 lbs w/ starter, ignition, and alternator $13,495 kit

Fly Corvair 3300cc (201ci) 6-cyl direct 119 hp @ 2800/125 hp @ 3300 rpm 225 lbs w/ starter, ignition, and alternator $16,395 kit www.flycorvair.com Two Stroke Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price

BRP Rotax 582UL inline WC geared 65 hp @ 6500 rpm carbureted 104 lbs wo/ radiator, w/ E gearbox and exhaust $7,607 www.flyrotax.com twin

Hirth F-23 opposed twin belt drive 50 hp @ 6150 rpm 71 lbs free air w/ recoil start, exhaust $5,617 www.Hirth-Motoren.de 3202 inline twin gearbox 55 hp @ 5500 rpm 82 lbs fan cooled w/ starter, exhaust $5,785

3203 inline twin gearbox 65 hp @ 6300 rpm 82 lbs fan cooled w/ starter, exhaust $6,261

3502 inline WC twin gearbox 60 hp @ 5000 rpm 79 lbs wo/ radiator, w/ starter, exhaust $5,480

3503 inline WC twin gearbox 70 hp @ 6500 rpm 79 lbs wo/ radiator, w/ starter, exhaust $6,327

3702 inline triple gearbox 84 hp @ 4950 rpm 108 lbs wo/ radiator, w/ starter, exhaust $9,997

3703 inline triple gearbox 100 hp @ 6000 rpm 108 lbs wo/ radiator, w/ starter, exhaust $10,712

KITPLANES February 2019 39 Auld Lang Syne Much as it pains us, sometimes we must drop a listing. Continental requested that we not list their legacy engines here, notably the trusty O-200 and the big 550 six. Those E/A-B sales are almost entirely via kit programs, thus CMG no longer has a factory-direct sales channel for these units. Worry not; if you really want one, it can be purchased via Aviall, Continental’s master distributor. Valley Engineering has elected to end sales of their Big Twin, in order to concen- trate efforts on the very popular Culver propeller line. GE Aviation dipped a toe into the homebuilder’s pool in order to power a fast turboprop kit, but that kit seems to have gone by the wayside. For now, GE has no plan to sell its turbines in the E/A-B market. The three-cylinder Hirth 3703 is a water-cooled 2-stroke engine that produces 100 hp. It is —D.H. available in carbureted and fuel injected versions. All engines have dual CDI ignition. 532 more than 30 years ago. Rotax has We expect growth in this segment, Every Hirth in the Guide can be ordered sold more than 30,000 582s worldwide. with the usual caveat about battery with optional electronic fuel injection. development. At 40 kW, power roughly The listed base prices do not include a Electric equal to a small two-stroke comes with belt reduction or gearbox. However, Pipistrel now offers four different elec- a weight and cost penalty. All that will RPE maintains an excellent website, tric propulsion systems, essentially the change in time, and when it does, look which clearly details options and prices same ones installed in their factory-built out. More than a few sport flyers would on each engine data page. aircraft. The systems include batteries love to jump in, flip a switch, and wave to Our final two-stroke is the trusty 582, and charger, a battery management sys- the luddites as they pass the gas pump. the only remaining two-stroke in the tem, the motor controller, and of course We hope you enjoyed the 2019 Engine Rotax lineup. We’ve priced it here with the electric motor. Pipistrel can also sup- Buyer’s Guide. If we’ve made an error or a Rotax E-gearbox, which includes an ply a prop, and if desired, the necessary missed any obvious sources of propul- electric starter and rubber soft coupler. hardware and controls for a retractable sion (within the stated limits), send an It’s a highly developed package; the “Blue arm. It certainly brings new meaning to email please, and we’ll endeavor to do Head” version sold today began as the the phrase “plug and play.” better next time. Until then, fly safe!J Electric Manufacturer Engine Model Drive Type Horsepower Weight Price Pipistrel Aircraft 20 Ah 4.75 kWh www.pipistrel-usa.com Electric Propulsion direct 40 kW takeoff, 30 kW climb 130 lbs w/ batteries, motor, and controls TBD System

30 Ah 7.10 kWh Electric Propulsion direct 40 kW takeoff, 30 kW climb 165 lbs w/ batteries, motor, and controls $25,000 System

40 Ah 9.70 kWh Electric Propulsion direct 40 kW takeoff, 30 kW climb 200 lbs w/ batteries, motor, and controls $29,200 System

80 Ah 24.25 kWh Electric Propulsion direct 60 kW takeoff, 50 kW continuous 441 lbs w/ batteries, motor, and controls $66,500 System

40 KITPLANES February 2019 www.kitplanes.com & www.facebook.com/kitplanes YOUR AIRPLANE WAS A JOY TO BUILD. WE MADE SURE IT’S A JOY TO FLY, TOO. Here at Team X we’re not just engineers. We’re also pilots and builders, so we design avionics we want to fl y behind. And when you see what we’ve created — from fl ight displays to radios, autopilots, GPS navigators and audio panels, and everything in between — you’ll fi nd we have just what you need for your project, too. Visit us at Garmin.com/Experimental.

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