Popular Flying

September/October 2002

 

"Cranfield 2002 ........and around the stands"

"Wilksch Airmotive debuted a mock up of their WAM-160 four cylinder engine which they hope to run in the second quarter of 2003 and have in production before the end of the year.  Initial estimates suggest the engine will weigh approximately 5 kg less than a Lycoming 0-230.

The production WAM-120 engine was fitted to a Thorp T211 which they hope to have flying in the next few months.  This will join their existing test-bed Europa, which is also to be fitted with a production engine.  15kg has been shaved from the weight of the prototype engine and the design has been tidied up considerably.  Installed weight with a c/s prop is 129kg, with a simple wooden prop 120kg, and the Europa version 2.5kg lighter than these figures due to different engine mounts.

First customer deliveries are scheduled for August and 20 units will be delivered by year end.  For 2003 production of 400 units is planned.

An engine display and data logger - the CI-Log - has also been introduced.  Customers who take this option will download engine data to Wilksch who will be able to chart the ongoing condition of the engine and thus pick up early warning of possible impending problems.  An additional advantage for the CI-Log equipped customer is a doubling of the engine warranty period.  Current pricing is : WAM-120 - £10,000 WAM-160 - £15,000 and CI-Log - £1100".