I would be very surprised if it were an RPI engine for several reasons --

The model being designed for aviation use (joint venture with Avco Lycoming)
was discontinued back in the Deere days (late 1980's). Only two prototypes
were built, and they never left the plant.

A smaller displacement engine had aviation potential, but the only engines to
ever leave the plant were configured for marine or genset use and would not
be suitable for aviation.

RPI, since mid 1997, has been in a "holding pattern" -- still in existence
but with a bare bones part time staff, unable to support any engineering or
test program whatsoever. They have only very recently received additional
funding that will allow them to resume operations, but their focus is now
larger gaseous fueled engines and I wouldn't expect any aviation activity for
at least eighteen months if ever.

Again, I am no longer affiliated with RPI so my comments are not necessarily
accurate.

Jon Lauter
Rotary Power Marine Corporation
www.rotarymarine.com

Well that means Eclipse Aviation are probably lying and the engine is
based on the Mazda. There is a remote chance they have tooled up to
make rotor housings but why, unless they plan to certify the manufacture
of it?

Paul Lamar
 
The Aircraft Rotary Engine Newsletter.              Powered by Linux.

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