I just read the article in Sport Aviation. I have always been interested in the rotary engine as a friend of mine started talking about its advantages back in the early 1970's when Curtis Wright was investigating them. He always claimed they had some ideal qualities for aviation.  As he was the aviation editor for a major newspaper, he was well worth listening to.  It is good to see that there is still work being done on these.

RE: Durability of the propeller speed reduction unit:  I have done some research in conjunction with the US Army Aviation and Missile Command on the durability of helicopter transmission gearing. We were able to make important strides increasing durability through several means. My company is involved with the durability of gears and powertrain components in racing applications. We currently treat all gears and shafts for the Jerico transmissions used in Winston Cup Racing.  If you would like to talk more, give me a call. Maybe we can help. Or take a look at our website at http://www.metal-wear.com. We have a lot of contacts in the heat treating, metallurgical, and racing communities.   We can typically double the life of bearings, gears, etc.

Keep up the good work!

Regards,

F. J. (Rick) Diekman
Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc.
630 540 1510
http://www.metal-wear.com

 
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