For that matter why does the leading unit require two
coils and the trailing unit only need one?

I believe that the trailing unit uses two coils, and the leading uses wasted
spark. This is because the trailing spark plug can "see" the intake port
during a period of the rotor's motion through the cycle. The leading plug
does not "see" the intake port. If a wasted spark system were run on the
trailing plugs it would be conceivably possible to ignite the charge in the
intake manifold.

Jon Lauter
Rotary Power Marine Corporation

Thanks Jon for the correction and the insight. 
Unless they are right in front of me I get confused :-)
Very interesting.
Perhaps this was part of the reason Bill Hughes had so much trouble.


Paul Lamar
 
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