Robert Barnard wrote:

Paul,

Thank you for talking with me Saturday at the Camarillo Airport.

As you know, I'm working on a Sonex and am very interested in putting it
behind a rotary.  The only problem is it requires an engine weighing under
200#, so that counts the Mazda out.  Going with a single rotor seems much
less than an optimal solution.

You mentioned that the OMC rotaries could reliably produce 100-130 hp and
weigh in at less than 150 # with a PSRU.  This type of engine would
certainly be capable of out performing the VW and Jubiru engines the Sonex
was designed for, in power/hp and possibly in TBO also.

I believe there is a big demand for an engine like this.

In just a short time Sonex has sold over 300 plans.  All of the early

plans

were for plans built only, some of those are now flying (testimony of the
ease to build this design).  Recently the laser-cut and pre-formed kit has
become available and that opens the craft up to a new audience.  Of the 3
Sonex projects in the area (1 in Oxnard, 2 in Camarillo), one is a kit.

I would like to ask a few questions:
Are these OMC engines still in production?
Are there people working with this engine for aircraft use?
Do you or anyone on the list know some likely sources?
Has anyone put one in an aircraft yet?
How efficient is it?

Thank you.

Rob Barnard
Camarillo, CA

I think Dr. Moller took over the OMC tooling and converted the engine to a
liquid cooled two rotor. Is that correct Dr. Moller? If so, any plans to
sell
the engine to the 100 HP market and below?

I think this is a picture of the earlier air cooled version.

Paul Lamar

Paul,

We only plan to sell it for non-aircraft use initially because of product
liability.  We expect modest production before year-end.  Please see
www.freedom-motors.com for more info.

Paul Moller

To be entirely realistic and honest about it Dr. Moller; "don't ask don't tell". 

We have to do that with a lot of products we adapt to experimental aircraft use.
Almost all non aircraft manufacturers have that policy.
I am sure Mazda would act very surprised in court if they were sued
by someone using a 13B in an airplane. There really is no way for Mazda
to prevent us from using a Mazda rotary engine.

Aviation is not the only field where that happens. About 20 years ago I was
stunned to buy an integrated circuit from National Semiconductor and find it
was not for use in medical equipment under any circumstances. 

BTW I just took my Cessna 182 Stewart Warner mechanical tach in perfect 
working order in for calibration and re-marking the red line 200 RPM lower 
as demanded by the FAA. I have to have this done as part of changing my 
Continental O-470 engine from a "S" to a "U". 

Mid Continent Instruments said "we don't work on those! 

What do I do now? 

"We can sell you a new tach for $385 and you can mark it yourself!"

$385 for a cheap mechanical tach probably mass produced for diesel trucks
and other diesel powered equipment from the looks of it!!! 
Sheessss! Trial lawyers strike again!!

Call it a lawn mower engine and not for aircraft use under any circumstances 
Dr. Moller and forget certifying it.

We will take it from there.

Paul Lamar
 
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