Ramón Fonseca wrote:

Paul,

Ok. Then, for example, if I can get over 350hp in a turbo two rotors rx8 porting 
configuration engine with around 350 lbs of weight, and I am in a airplane that 
needs this power, like the Lancair, I can safely say that I have a reliable 
engine with better advantage in weight/fuel than an equivalent piston 
engine(1/1 hp/lbs) Right?

Well if you plan to cruise at 75% of that level or about 260 HP it remains to
be seen what the TBO would be. We have no experience at that cruise HP
level. Most of our cruise HP experience has been at 150 HP or less with 
an NA two rotor.

On the aircraft engine side that would be say something like an IO-550
turbo and that (firewall forward) would weigh a lot more than 350 pounds.
Probably close to 500 pounds. In a case like that a turbo three rotor 
would be comparable.

Thus, the rotary engine is viable in the two rotor configuration 
for needs of 350hp plus, to be of advantage of piston engines, if
reliability is not a factor. Pls confirm this. Tks.

Reliability and life are two different things. I can say a 2 rotor would be highly
reliable at 350 HP takeoff and 260 HP cruise. The big question in my mind is for
how long. We have no life data at that HP level. Much depends on the type of apex
seals. There is some data suggesting 20,000 hours at some lower RPM levels
using ceramic apex seals and in generator service.

Pls find a website of a company in New Zeland that is developing a two rotors Mazda 
engine  substituting the cast iron housings and end plates for aluminium versions
with wear faces being plasma coated and surface ground, thus, lowering the total weight.

http://www.aero-sport.com/

Tks,

Ramon

I am not sold on plasma coatings. Wankel Gmbh has had some problems with that
in the past. I would be more impressed if it were detonation gun coatings.
Aluminum end housing have been available here in the states for several years 
for about $1500 US each. We would like to see much lower prices.

Paul Lamar
 
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