Hi, Paul. First of all, let me say that I am very happy to see another
rotary engine aimed at the aviation marketplace which could further our
efforts to get more rotary aircraft installations.  I have always thought
that the Mecanair was a very compact, well engineered engine.  I was
dissapointed when their website no longer showed their engine a while back.
I really wanted one.  I would have shelled out the bucks to buy one of those
engines.  Unfortunately, I'm so far along with mine at this time, that it
would take me longer to get airborne than to continue with my present
installation. (I have it running now).

     One area that could possibly use improvement, however is the alternator
belt. Looking at the last picture in the message you sent at 6:48 p.m., it
appears that there is only one alternator belt, and it passes through the
bellhousing/casting through a vertical slot. Two alternator belts might be a
nice feature.  That being said,  I guess that if I had to choose between a
single belt on the water pump or a single belt on the alternator, I'd choose
the alternator. I'd much rather loose an alternator than a water pump.   Do
you know how their water pump is driven?    Thanks for sharing those
pictures.   Paul Conner

There are two alternators. One is gear driven like the water pump on the
back of the engine. Same goes for the aircraft vacuum pump.
This is a first class aircraft engine in all aspects. The next hurtle
for Mecanair is the firewall forward overall package. Most of that
challenge will be effective water and oil radiator sizing and ducting.

Paul Lamar
 
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