Hans Conser wrote:

From:    http://www.solotrek.com/mjet/news/index.htm

   As mentioned in our last newsletter, we are currently working with another company in the development of a
small, turbo-shaft jet engine custom designed for SoloTrek. Initial feasibility and preliminary design studies have
 documented the predicted performance of this engine, and we are encouraged that it could provide a viable engine
 option for SoloTrek, especially for military use. However, further development work on this engine is temporarily
on hold while we search for additional funding to underwrite this effort.

Now for the good news! We have recently identified two different small, twin-rotary engines that we believe will
 be good engine options for SoloTrek. First?a little history on rotary engines. Historically, rotary engines have
been high on promise, and short on delivery. Mazda dropped the rotary engine line for automobiles years ago. As
 did OMC for boats. Various aftermarket companies currently provide modified Mazda-type rotary engines for
aircraft use, however these are not an option for SoloTrek because of their size, weight and output. Moreover, as
four-cycle engines, they were designed to run in a horizontal orientation.

One of these new engine options is a water-cooled, twin-rotary engine specifically configured for use on SoloTrek.
Designed to produce about 120 horsepower, it weighs in at less than 120 pounds, including the water-cooling
system. It is similar to a two-cycle engine, in that it produces about one horsepower per pound, in a small package.
The engine is four-cycle, but incorporates oil injection that allows it to run in a vertical orientation. The injected
lubricating oil is consumed, but is not mixed with the fuel as is typical with two-cycle engines. The fuel is also
electronically injected, and spark is provided by twin CDI systems. Additionally, the engine is already developed;
has passed stringent FAR 33-type endurance testing; and has successfully demonstrated operation on heavy-fuel.

MJI is teaming with the engine company on the NRE (non-recurrent engineering) costs and modifications required
for this engine?s use on SoloTrek. We view this engine as a potentially good choice for U.S. military SoloTreks
requiring a more cost effective powerplant solution than that provided by a turbine engine. Moreover, this engine
may be well suited for other military and paramilitary users or missions worldwide.

Another engine company has a different type of, but equally interesting, engine with similar performance
capabilities. We are also looking at several other engines in different stages of development that may prove to be
viable powerplant options. Price, availability and manufacturing capacity will be important issues to resolve before
final production engines are ultimately specified for SoloTrek.

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